Legal Pro Bono Internships at Regional Counsel, second district

The Office of Criminal Conflict and Civil Regional Counsel, Second District, provides
representation to individuals charged with violation of criminal and civil statutes in 14 counties
throughout southwest Florida. The office has established an unpaid summer internship program to a
limited number of students. The program will provide training and exposure to the Florida legal
defense system.


PRO BONO INTERN DUTIES:
Interns will receive training and orientation after which they will provide assistance to attorneys
and other office staff as requested at all stages of client representation.
Assignment of particular tasks will depend on the particular skills of the intern. Duties may include
the following:

  1. New Case Intake. Ensure clients qualify for the appointment of our office by verifying their
    indigency status. File motions to withdraw from the representation of clients who do not qualify for
    the appointment of Regional Counsel, or with whom there is a conflict of interest.
  2. Interviews. Initial interview of clients with the primary purpose of gathering information from
    the client, including their contact information and witnesses. Conduct witness interviews.
  3. Office assistance. Scanning, attaching e-served documents, e-filing, assisting with mail delivery,
    filing copying, and other tasks. Assist in creating and updating document templates.
  4. Investigations. Assisting to prepare cases for trial or other hearings. Obtaining documents.
    Contacting community resources.

Compliance with attorney-client confidentiality is mandatory and must include a signed
confidentiality agreement.


The Sixth Circuit office has three offices, one in Clearwater and two in Pasco County.
All three offices handle criminal cases, dependency cases, and mental health cases. Interns will be
placed in the office of their choosing. In addition to the above duties, interns will do legal research
and shadow attorneys in court, at mediations, for jail visits, and, when possible, at trial. Most
mediations and jail visits are still happening remotely.


For more information, contact Ngozi Acholonu at [email protected] or
727-530-4400. For Pasco County internships, please contact Laguerra Champagne or
Paulette Ball at 727-842-2889.

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