The Sonia and Celina Sotomayor Judicial Internship Program: Cultivating Future Leaders
The Sonia and Celina Sotomayor Judicial Internship Program is dedicated to cultivating and developing future leaders from underserved communities through judicial internships, educational experiences, and the resources necessary to achieve their professional goals. The program aims to increase diversity in the legal profession by providing opportunities to students from diverse backgrounds.
Program Divisions
The Sotomayor Program offers summer internships in three divisions:
- Law School
- College
- High School
It should be noted that the High School and College Divisions are currently not accepting applications. However, the Law School Division is accepting applications until all positions are filled.
Impact and Success
The Sotomayor Program has had a significant impact, helping over 400 high school, college, and law school students gain experience with the legal system and develop their professional skills. The program provides invaluable opportunities for students to learn directly from judges and gain firsthand experience with the judicial process.
Law School Division Internship
The Sotomayor Program selects law school interns from a pool of highly qualified applicants who bring a wide range of backgrounds, experiences, and talents.
Read also: The education of Sonia Sotomayor
Summer Internship Experience
Participating in The Sonia & Celina Sotomayor Judicial Internship Program provides law students with firsthand experience with the judicial process and the opportunity to learn directly from judges. Interns work full-time for judges for two months, while also participating in professional development training and networking events as part of the program.
Student Testimonials
Several students have shared their positive experiences with the Sotomayor Program. Rebeca Puente Chavar, M.A. L’27, participated in the program and worked for the Hon. Javier Vargas in New York State Court of Claims in Manhattan. She gained hands-on experience observing three major trials and even helped draft a memo recommending how to decide on a motion.
Emma Bissell L’27 also participated in the program and was assigned to a judicial clerk who helped her learn the ins-and-outs of the courtroom. She observed different types of trials and gained valuable insights into the legal field.
Imari, another program participant, was inspired to attend law school after Justice Sotomayor's appointment to the bench. She had the opportunity to meet Justice Sotomayor and shake her hand, which she described as a "full circle moment."
St. John’s Law Support
St. John’s Law is a longtime supporter of the Sotomayor Program. Their students participate as summer judicial interns, and they bring students from the Program’s college cohort to St. John’s.
Read also: The National Judicial College's Impact
College Division Internship
The Sotomayor Program offers a College Division Internship for current junior and senior college students. Participants engage in a judicial internship experience, a free LSAT boot camp, and professional and personal development programming.
High School Division Internship
The Sotomayor Program offers a High School Division Internship.
Program Recognition
The Sotomayor Program hosts an Annual Benefit to recognize and thank its sponsors, board members, advisory council, and volunteers. The program is grateful for the support it receives from generous donors.
Read also: Ace Your Judicial Internship Application
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