By Janelle Ford
The Law Office of the Public Defender, 17th Judicial Circuit, will welcome 35 Broward County high school students to its annual Summer Justice Internship Program from June 15–26, 2026. The highly competitive program provides participants with firsthand exposure to careers in the criminal justice system while fostering leadership, civic engagement, and professional development.
For more than 20 years, the Public Defender’s Office has provided local high school students with a unique opportunity to explore careers in the criminal justice field through its annual Summer Justice Internship Program.
The two-week internship offers students firsthand exposure to the justice system through interactive learning experiences, including courtroom observations, attorney shadowing, mock trial exercises, and educational sessions with criminal justice professionals. Participants will gain valuable insight into the roles of attorneys, law enforcement officers, forensic scientists, and medical examiners.
With more than 160 applications received this year, only 35 students were selected to participate in the program. Students will have the opportunity to visit the Broward County Crime Lab, tour the Broward County Main Jail, and engage with leaders from various sectors of the justice system and local government. The combination of hands-on activities, educational tours, and guest presentations is designed to provide a deeper understanding of the justice system and its impact on the community.
For more information about the Summer Justice Internship Program or future application opportunities, please contact:
summerjustice@browarddefender.org
Additional information is available at:
https://www.browarddefender.org/jobs-internships/intern-summer-justice-program/
About the Law Office of the Public Defender, 17th Judicial Circuit
The Law Office of the Public Defender, 17th Judicial Circuit, provides legal representation to individuals who cannot afford private counsel in Broward County, Florida. The Office is committed to protecting constitutional rights, ensuring equal access to justice, and strengthening the community through advocacy, education, and public outreach initiatives.
