FIU Law Students Gain Hands-On Experience at Miami-Dade State Attorney’s Office

FIU Law rising 2L Bijan Farshadi is spending his second consecutive summer at the Miami-Dade State Attorney’s Office—an opportunity he calls “an easy choice after a great first experience.” He’s one of several FIU Law students interning at the office this summer, where the work is both rigorous and rewarding.

Pictured left to right: State Attorney Katherine Fernandez Rundle and FIU Law student Bijan Farshadi.

For many of the interns, County Court has become a space of discovery, professional growth, and deepened commitment to public service. The internship offers students a chance to fully immerse themselves in courtroom operations and put legal theory into practice. From evaluating discovery and drafting motions to preparing arraignment, sounding, and trial calendars, interns are building critical skills that lay the foundation for future careers in prosecution.

This hands-on learning spans several key units within the office, giving FIU Law rising 2L’s broad exposure to real-world legal work:

• County Court: Bijan Farshadi, Elizabeth Marie Gonzalez, Hallyn Solares, Lillian Whitecavage, Raleigh Goldberg, Carlos Caiaffa, and Daniel Caiaffa are actively contributing in County Court.
• Special Legal Unit: Jorge A. Rodriguez describes his placement as the “lawyer’s lawyer unit,” where he enjoys handling high-level legal research and writing. “I enjoy applying what I’ve learned in law school to our cases and, of course, serving the public,” he said.
• Felony Unit: Zachary Vuong and Michael Prego are gaining valuable experience in felony prosecution. Vuong, who previously served as a Victim Witness Specialist, said, “It was an honor to work with former colleagues again. This internship gave me hands-on experience and reaffirmed my passion for serving Miami and its community.” Prego echoed the sentiment, describing the work as “incredibly fulfilling.”

Interns have also had the unique opportunity to meet State Attorney Katherine Fernandez Rundle, who remains actively engaged in their development. “I love working with law students and empowering them to be the best lawyers and people they can be,” she said. Her leadership has helped shape a dynamic program that goes beyond the courtroom—one she proudly describes as “second to none.”

The program includes special events and site visits that enrich the interns' understanding of the justice system. Highlights include a visit from Florida Supreme Court Justice John Couriel, and tours of the Juvenile Detention Center, Drug Court, Real-Time Crime Center, and Litigation Support Division. Interns also visited the Medical Examiner’s Office and the Pre-Trial Detention Center—longstanding program favorites.

Educational presentations on topics such as the Smart Justice Initiative, Human Trafficking, Gun Violence, Narcotics, and Economic Crimes provide interns with a broader perspective on community justice and public safety. Trainings even include life-saving skills, further preparing students for impactful lives.

Bijan Farshadi summed up the experience best: “It’s been the most rewarding professional experience of my life—made even better by the support of dedicated mentors and the camaraderie of fellow interns.” With a shared commitment to justice and service, these FIU Law students are not only gaining invaluable skills—they’re also making a meaningful impact on the community they serve.

Pictured left to right: FIU Law 2L students Michael Prego, Jorge A. Rodriguez, Lillian Whitecavage, Bijan Farshadi; State Attorney Katherine Fernandez Rundle; and FIU Law 2L students Zachary Vuong, Hallyn Solares, and Elizabeth Marie Gonzalez.