South Florida’s Elite Criminal Defense Internship is Shaping the Next Generation of Lawyers

Fort Lauderdale, Florida – In an industry where many law students struggle to gain meaningful experience, South Florida’s Rossen Law Firm sets a new standard. Founded by criminal defense attorney Adam Rossen, the firm’s elite legal internship program has rapidly grown into one of the most sought-after training experiences for aspiring attorneys—earning national attention from legal industry leaders, podcasts, and major conferences.

Unlike typical law firm internships, where students are often limited to administrative tasks, Rossen Law Firm interns take on real legal challenges from day one. They write case memos, engage in discovery, analyze high-profile cases, and even sit in on client meetings and courtroom proceedings.

“We’re not just giving students a taste of criminal defense law,” says Rossen. “We’re preparing them to be leaders in the field.”

Where Rossen Interns Go Next

Rossen Law Firm interns have gone on to study at the nation’s top law schools, including Harvard, Cornell, Vanderbilt, Michigan, Emory, and the Antonin Scalia Law School. These students leave the program with skills and connections that set them apart in an increasingly competitive legal landscape.

“This internship changed my entire career path,” says a former intern now studying at the University of Florida Law School. “I wasn’t sure about criminal defense before this, but after working on actual cases and seeing the impact first-hand, I know this is exactly what I want to do.”

Beyond casework, Rossen Law Firm interns participate in “Pop-Up Projects” with Rossen and his managing partner. They tackle real-world cases such as Bill Cosby’s trial, Derek Chauvin’s case, and other high-profile criminal matters. They analyze legal defenses, draft arguments, and discuss strategy—an experience most law students don’t get until after graduation.

National Recognition and Growing Demand

The program’s success hasn’t gone unnoticed. Rossen was recently invited to speak on a national panel at TGR Live, a prominent legal industry event, where he will share his expertise on creating impactful internship programs. He has also been featured on top legal podcasts, including:

• Maximum Lawyer
• Lead Counsel
• They Don’t Teach This in Law School
• Renegade Lawyer Marketing (upcoming)
• Latte with a Lawyer (upcoming)

“Attorneys across the country are reaching out to learn how we’ve built an internship that’s not just beneficial for the firm but transformative for the students,” Rossen says.

A Commitment to the Community

While most firms view interns as extra hands in the office, Rossen sees them as the profession’s future. That’s why he is working to expand the program into a mentorship initiative for individuals interested in legal careers but who haven’t followed a traditional path to law. This mentorship program will be open to individuals beyond traditional students, including those directly impacted by incarceration, offering guidance, support, and opportunities to explore and navigate a career in the legal field.

“Access to opportunity isn’t equal for everyone,” Rossen says. “By mentoring and training future legal professionals, we’re ensuring a stronger, more diverse legal field.”

As the program grows, Rossen Law Firm seeks partnerships with local high schools, universities, and criminal justice organizations to connect students with a passion for the law with real-world experience.

Applications Open for 2025

The Summer 2025 internship application period is now open. With limited spots available, the program is expected to be highly competitive. Interested students should apply by April 1, 2025, to be considered.

For more details, visit CriminalDefenseInternships.com.