Mexican american bar association

About the Program: 

In 2013, the Mexican American Bar Association of Los Angeles County launched its Judicial Externship and Scholarship Program for law students from the greater Los Angeles area. The Program’s mission is to increase access to highly sought-after judicial externship positions for qualifying law students intending to practice in Los Angeles after graduation. Students are selected through a rigorous application process and interviewed by participating judges, who make the final placement decisions for their summer chambers. Participants spend ten weeks conducting research, writing, and attending federal judicial proceedings. They also receive a $2,500 scholarship.

Since its inception, over 89 students have participated in the Program and more than $65,000 in scholarship funds have been awarded. Importantly, 6 former program participants have obtained federal or appellate clerkships. Program alumni have also successfully secured additional federal judicial externships and served as student law clerks with the Office of the Federal Public Defender and the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Central District of California following their MABA externships.

How to Apply: 

Summer 2026 MABA JEP Application (Download PDF). This form is intended to help inform you on what material you must gather and submit at the link provided below. 

Application Submission Website (California Community Foundation): Link

In short, here is a summary of the application process:

1. Register as an applicant in the scholarships portal

2. Confirm registration in your email

3. Navigate to the scholarship application in the portal 4. Fill out the application and submit

Questions: Any questions about the program may be directed to MABA Judicial Externship Program Chair Rosio Flores Arriaga at rosiofloresm@gmail.com.