MABA Judicial Externship Program |
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, wherein they must demonstrate an intention to practice in Los Angeles after their graduation and a commitment to community service. Participants work full-time in chambers for a minimum of eight weeks, conducting research, drafting legal memoranda and orders, and attending judicial proceedings. Selected students are also awarded a scholarship to assist with living and educational expenses. MABA attorneys who clerked for federal and state court judges offer them a series of lunch-time seminars, and monitor their progress throughout the summer.
Since its inception, nearly 100 students have participated in the Program and more than $85,000 in scholarship funds have been awarded. Importantly, eight 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.
Support the Program:
For Summer 2027, ten (10) selected students will receive a $3,500 scholarship.
The Program is funded entirely by charitable donations. All proceeds directly fund the student scholarships. Donations are tax deductible.
Contribute to the MABA JEP & Scholarship Fund
Program Selection Committee Members:
*Committee Co-Chairs
- Rosio Flores Arriaga*, Associate, Munger, Tolles & Olson
- Daysi Alonzo*, Staff Attorney, Bet Tzedek Legal Services
- Mario Martinez, Associate, Carpenter & Zuckerman
- Patrick Rubalcava, Associate, Sheppard, Mullin, Richter & Hampton LLP
- Jannet Gomez, U.S. District Court Judicial Law Clerk
- Jorge Villanueva, Associate, Ogletree Deakins
- Vivian Martin, Counsel, NBCUniversal
- Christopher Galeano, Staff Attorney, ACLU of Southern California
- Selene Estrada-Villela, Associate, Gastélum Law, APC
- Eduardo Gonzalez, Associate, Munger, Tolles & Olson
- Miriham Antonio, Associate, Gomez Law
How to Apply:
The Summer 2027 MABA Judicial Externship Program deadline is 11:59 p.m. PST on Sunday, January 3, 2027.
Step 1: Download the Informational Application Form
Download the Summer 2027 MABA JEP Application Form to review the eligibility criteria, program timeline, and frequently asked questions. The informational application form serves as an overview to help you gather your materials before applying.
Step 2: Prepare and Format Your Application Materials
Your submission consists of two parts: online form fields and a single uploaded document.
Application Sections One through Seven are to be completed directly within the electronic form fields.
Gather the additional application materials and merge them into one single, combined PDF in this order:
• Resume
• Transcript(s)
• Student Statement
• Supplemental Statement
• Legal Writing Sample
Name your PDF file using the following format: “[Applicant Last Name], [Applicant First Name]: MABA Externship 2027, Application-[Law School attending]” (Example: Roe, Jane: MABA Externship 2027, Application-UCLA Law).
Step 3: Submit Your Application Online
All applications must be submitted electronically through the California Community Foundation (CCF) Website.
1. Create an Account: Visit the CCF Scholarship Applicant Portal and register as a new applicant.
2. Verify Your Email: Check your inbox for a registration confirmation email and follow the link to activate your account.
3. Locate the Program Application: Log into the portal, navigate to the scholarship application directory, and select the Summer 2027 MABA Judicial Externship Program & Scholarship.
4. Upload and Submit: Fill out the online Sections One through Seven, upload your PDF file, and submit before the 11:59 p.m. PST deadline on January 3, 2027.
Contact Information:
Questions about the Program can be directed to MABA Judicial Externship Program Co-Chairs Rosio Flores Arriaga at rosiofloresm@gmail.com and Daysi Alonzo at daysialonzoesq@gmail.com.