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Her Justice Externship Program

An experience that shapes exceptional litigators

Lead cases. Build skills. Change lives.

Associates from extern partner firms step into the role of lead counsel on some of Her Justice’s most legally complex family, matrimonial, and immigration matters.

Coached by experienced Her Justice attorneys during their six-month rotation, externs develop practical litigation skills, gaining firsthand experience making strategic decisions, advocating in court, and leading cases from start to finish. They return to their firms stronger litigators—with the skills and judgment to take on greater responsibility throughout their careers. 

Every externship expands Her Justice’s ability to respond when families need help most. Clients facing urgent legal challenges gain a skilled advocate by their side—someone to stand with them in court, help them pursue their rights, and remind them they are not alone.

“Her Justice’s expertise and guidance shaped me into a stronger advocate. For as long as I can remember, I have wanted to lead a trial. This externship allowed me to fulfill that dream and so much more.”

Yarden Hodes | Akin 
Download the Externship PDF
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The externship experience

The Her Justice Externship is designed to accelerate your development as a litigator, offering the opportunity to take on meaningful work with the guidance, mentorship, and support of expert litigators. As part of the program, you will…. 

Represent Clients

Manage a caseload of 10-15 active, litigated matters.

Advocate
in Court

With an average of 3 court appearances per week in Supreme and Family Courts.

Learn
from Mentors

With quality, hands-on training and mentoring from Her Justice experts.

Stay Connected to Your Firm

Remain firm employees with salaries & benefits paid by the firm.

A strong investment

Meaningful responsibility builds exceptional lawyers. By sponsoring associates to serve as Her Justice externs, our partner firms invest in the professional development of their young attorneys — while helping expand access to justice for our New York neighbors. 

Build Stronger Litigators

Externs return with practical skills, stronger judgment, and greater confidence after serving as lead counsel on complex matters.

Develop Pro Bono Leaders

Externs become trusted resources within their firms — supervising Her Justice matters, mentoring colleagues, and strengthening firmwide pro bono efforts.

Invest in Future Firm Leaders

Externs often remain with their firms for years after the program, bringing valuable leadership to their practices.

Support Recruitment & Retention

The externship is a sought-after opportunity that demonstrates a firm’s commitment to meaningful training, public service, and associate growth.

“Invariably, our externs return to the firm more energized, more confident, and better lawyers. The externship is popular within our disputes practice and gives us the opportunity to recognize and reward our best associates.”

Dave Koschik
Partner | White & Case LLP

Why choose Her Justice’s externship experience? Hear from former Akin Global Managing Partner about the impact of the program.

Meet our externs

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Janie Mahan

Akin

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Kate Harvey 

Fried Frank

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Angelica Paquette

White & Case

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Amanda Wigler 

Willkie

Our externship partners

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The image shows the words WHITE & CASE in large, bold, blue capital letters on a white background. The font is modern and sans-serif.
The image shows the logo for Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP in blue capital letters, with WILLKIE above a line and Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP written below it.

Ready to learn more?

Interested in becoming an extern or establishing an externship program with your firm? Let’s chat!

CONTACT: HAMRA AHMAD

Deputy Director,

Legal Programs & Policy

[email protected]

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Curious about the impact you’ll have?

Meet the clients that our externs serve and explore the rippling impact of Her Justice’s work.

Client Stories
Our Impact