New York State Judicial Commission Summer 2023 Legal Internship Program
by Chesney McAfee Walden · August 28, 2022
Franklin H. Williams Judicial Commission Summer 2023 Legal Internship Program
The Franklin H. Williams Judicial Commission of the New York State Courts is composed of judges, attorneys and court administrators appointed by the Chief Judge of the State of New York to promote equal access and full participation in the court system by persons and communities of color in the judicial process. For over thirty years, the Williams Commission has been working to carry out its mandate to ensure equal justice in the New York State Courts and promote diversity and inclusion within the judiciary, legal profession, and court workforce. The Williams Commission is tasked to advise and educate New York Court System decision-makers on issues affecting both employees and litigants of color and to implement programs, recommendations, and reports to address those issues. As part of ongoing efforts to serve as a pipeline to the legal profession for diverse students, the Franklin H. Williams Judicial Commission is offering an eight-week unpaid (pre-approved for pro bono credit at Memphis Law) Summer Legal Internship Program commencing June 1, 2023 and ending July 28, 2023. The program is open to 1L, 2L, and 3L students. Legal interns will use their writing and research skills to address diversity in the legal profession and eradicate systemic racism from within the courts. Interns will work on issues of equal access to justice, disproportionate impact on communities of color, and fair representation in the legal process, among other topics.
Interested students should forward their application to the Williams Commission via email to FHWilliams@nycourts.gov, with the subject line “FHW Commission Internship Summer 2023.”
Your application must include the following documents as one PDF attachment:
• Cover letter (please highlight any previous work involving diversity or equal justice issues)
• Your resume • Writing sample – In two pages or less, please respond to the following: What specific ideas do you have for advancing equal justice in the New York State Courts and the broader legal profession?
• Please note that submission of law school grades is not required in the application process.
Applicants who submit a completed application by December 15, 2022, will receive a decision, to the extent practicable, no later than March 1, 2023. All other applicants will receive a decision on a rolling basis.
We look forward to your participation. For more information about the Franklin H. Williams Judicial Commission, please visit www.nycourts.gov/FHW.
