Pro Bono Fellowship Program for Deferred Law Firm
Associates
The Deferred Legal Fellow opportunity offered through the
Ensuring Equal Justice Pro Bono Initiative is structured to provide
eligible law firm associates with hands-on experience that combines
substantive legal work with meaningful training and feedback.
Deferred Legal Fellows, who are asked to commit to serve at PD-11
for a minimum of four months,
expand their litigation skills by working closely with seasoned
assistant public defenders in the direct representation of clients
charged with misdemeanors and felonies. They also attend
required trainings on substantive criminal law and oral advocacy techniques.
In 2010, PD-11 welcomed the support of the
international law firm of White
& Case LLP, which assigned Andrej Micovic, a deferred
associate with the firm's New York office, to PD-11 for a one-year
fellowship. Mr. Micovic’s presence at PD-11 highlights the
fact that the challenges presented in PD-11's
high caseloads are recognized at a national level by law firms
willing to commit their resources to assist the indigent.
As the Deferred Legal Fellow, Mr.
Micovic is exposed to all aspects of trial-level practice, such as
conducting interviews, discovery (including depositions), daily
court calendar, motion practice, and felony trial proceedings.
On almost a daily basis, he gains invaluable courtroom
experience in defending the constitutional rights of indigent people
in Miami Dade County.
Law firms interested in
supporting this unique fellowship program are encouraged to
contact Robert Coppel, the Director of Training and Professionalism
at PD-11, at
rcoppel@pdmiami.com.
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