Internships

The John Richard Collins Legal Scholar Program

The Monroe County Attorney’s Office offers a limited amount of internships for recent law graduates, law students, and undergraduates who are considering a career in law. The program started in 2003 under the leadership of the late John Richard Collins, who served as County Attorney from 2003 until 2006. In addition to being County Attorney, Mr. Collins served Monroe County through a number of other public positions, including Monroe County School Board Attorney, General Counsel to the Monroe County Sheriff, Deputy Sheriff, Assistant State Attorney, and adjunct professor at Florida Keys Community College and St. Leo’s University.  

In 2015, the County Commission formally named the internship program the John Richard Collins Legal Scholar Program in honor of Mr. Collins when it adopted Resolution 152-2015. Through that program, stipends are paid to law clerks and interns to help cover their living expenses. 

Law clerks and interns are assigned tasks commensurate with their experience and capabilities. Past clerks and interns have drafted ordinances and resolutions, contracts, and other documents, helped prepare cases for trial, conducted legal research, and assisted the attorneys and staff with a variety of assignments. Past participants have gone on to serve in a variety of public service roles including a County Court Judge, a county attorney in another county, a city attorney, a law professor, counsel for a public utility, counsel for a community college, counsel for a special district, as well as careers in the U.S. military and the Department of Defense. Other participants have gone on to successful careers in private practice. 

Individuals interested in applying to the program should submit a cover letter, resume, and a writing sample to campo-abra@monroecounty-fl.gov. Preference is given to residents or those having a connection to Monroe County.