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. They also receive a $3,500 scholarship. MABA attorneys who clerked for federal and state court judges offer them a series of lunch-time seminars, as well as monitor their progress throughout the summer.
Since its inception, over 95 students have participated in the Program and more than $85,000 in scholarship funds have been awarded. Importantly, 8 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:
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
How to Apply:
The Summer 2026 MABA Judicial Externship Program Application has closed. Information for Summer 2027 will be available this fall.
Program Selection Committee Members:
- Rosio Flores Arriaga, Associate, Munger, Tolles & Olson
- Daysi Alonzo, Staff Attorney, Bet Tzedek Legal Services
- Luis Gomez, former U.S. District Court Judicial Law Clerk
- 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, former U.S. District Court & U.S. Court of Appeal Judicial Law Clerk
- Selene Estrada-Villela, Associate, Gastélum Law, APC
- Eduardo Gonzalez, Associate, Munger, Tolles & Olson
- Miriham Antonio, Associate, Gomez Law
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.