Our Interns
Spring 2023 Interns
From left to right: Amber Bardsley (FSU Law), Sylvie Neff (FSU), Dalton Byrd (FSU), Carly Mayzum (FSU), Shannon Paramesh (FSU Law), Angelique Ramirez (FSU Law), Jack Knecht (FSU)
Not Pictured: Alex Lee (Stetson Law), Victoria Pawelska (UF Law), Jose Cortez (NOVA Law)
Each semester the Innocence Project of Florida welcomes students from around the world to participate in our Intern/Extern Program. The program is an opportunity for students to earn class credits while gaining real-world experience working in a law office.
Each intern is assigned one or two cases which they work on during their internship under the supervision of an IPF attorney or intake coordinator. Every week IPF Executive Director Seth Miller and staff lecture on DNA testing, court procedures, innocence issues, or criminal justice to further their education. In addition, IPF offers undergraduate and graduate internships in the areas of investigation, intake and communications.
Internships are available for the Spring, Fall and Summer semesters. We take a limited number of interns/externs each semester and early application is encouraged.
If you are interested in doing an internship or externship at the Innocence Project of Florida, please contact us here and put "Internship" in the subject line. You will receive instructions on how to apply for a position.
Previous Interns
Kara Fenlon (FSU Law).
Clockwise from top left: Ben Abdulnour (FSU Law), Jason Kruszka (FSU Law), Ashley West (FSU Law), and Nicole Lanna (FSU Law). Not pictured: Julie Miller (Widener Law School), Su Jin Kim (Georgetown Law Center), and Yale Olenick (FSU).
L to R: Alessandra Jensen, Stetson Law; Cameron Helm, University of Miami undergrad; Kaiser Jairam, FSU Law; Javier Paredes, University of Miami undergrad; Molly Gualandri, UIC John Marshall Law; Seth Woodhall, FSU undergrad; Antonia La Tosa, FSU undergrad; Lauren DeClark, University of Dayton Law; Kortney Lightfoot, FSU Law; Jo Wenson, University of Pittsburgh Law. Not pictured: Cooper Smith, Wabash College; Israel Pierre, University of Chicago undergrad.
Kara Fenlon (FSU Law).
Previous Intern Testimonials:
“Working at the Innocence Project of Florida has been one of the most invaluable experiences of my legal education. The staff here are not only dedicated to the organization’s mission, but are also committed to ensuring each intern has a meaningful experience. Through the office’s weekly seminars, on topics such as investigative techniques, public records requests, and DNA testing, I learned about some of the most important aspects of the post conviction process. I was also encouraged, in completing assignments, to push my own skills and understanding to greater levels – while being fully supported every step of the way. This office is a wonderful testament to how diligent and compassionate representation can make all the difference in the individual case and in the overall lives of the clients. And I will always be grateful for the wonderful time I had while here.”
-Rebekah Pazmino, Brooklyn Law School
"Interning with the Innocence Project of Florida for a semester has been a great opportunity. From working on blog posts, to newsletters, to the annual report, my writing has improved drastically from when I first began here. I had the opportunity to witness Duval County’s first exoneration within the Conviction Integrity Review Unit. This was an emotional experience in which I was able to witness firsthand the results of the important work being done here. This internship has fueled my passion for criminal justice reform and making the world a better place, one person at a time."
– Amanda Panchery, Florida State University
“I was a summer legal extern at the Innocence Project of Florida, through the University of Florida, Levin College of Law. I enjoyed my externship so much that I decided to complete my pro bono hours at IPF. I am going into my last year of law school and my summer at IPF has solidified my interest in both public interest and criminal law. I want to work as a public defender after law school, and I believe that having IPF on my resume will be an asset. I improved my research and writing skills, prepared a presentation about my case, and observed court proceedings. The most meaningful experience I had this summer was meeting a current client. I enjoyed learning from the talented and passionate group of individuals who make IPF successful. My attorney supervisor had an open-door policy and gave me a lot of feedback on my work product. I plan on relocating to Tallahassee after I finish law school and I would like to continue volunteering at IPF. I would recommend highly recommend an internship with IPF.”
– Megan Robinson, UF School of Law