2L Antonio Hernandez Spends Summer with Florida Supreme Court Justice

Law students are sometimes left with more questions than answers after reading a challenging case. While many are left to guess the judge's state of mind in his or her decision making, Miami Law 2L Antonio Hernandez spent his summer clerking for Florida Supreme Court Justice R. Fred Lewis whose opinions Hernandez read throughout his 1L year.

By UM News 09-23-2013

"Interning for the Honorable Justice Lewis was a surreal experience for me because I read some opinions authored by him in my 1L classes," Hernandez said. "Having the opportunity to ask about his opinions directly was fantastic."

Hernandez was brought under the guidance of Justice Lewis as part of the Florida Supreme Court Internship Program. The program selects distinguished law students throughout Florida to serve as clerks to one of seven Florida Supreme Court justices. Interns review and make recommendations on discretionary conflict jurisdiction, conduct legal research, and prepare memoranda on pending cases.

Attending oral arguments and discussing cases with staff attorneys and the deciding justice was of particular enjoyment for Hernandez. During a full week of live, intense litigation in front of the Florida Supreme Court, Hernandez gathered meaningful observations as both a spectator and insider.

"I was able to watch many impressive attorneys argue," said Hernandez. "I took advantage of the opportunity by asking Justice Lewis questions about the hearings and speaking styles."

Hernandez credits Miami Law's Legal Communication and Research Skills (LComm) program in preparing him to work under Justice Lewis from day one of his internship. Hernandez believes that the program was an instrumental foundation in helping to overcome challenges including legal grammar and style, research, proper Bluebook citations, and general analysis.

Hernandez, now a 2L at Miami Law, was born in raised in Miami Beach and graduated from the University of Miami with a major in Political Science and a minor in Business Law. In addition to a full course load, Hernandez serves as a Tort Dean's Fellow to Professor Osamudia James.

With his 2L year in full swing, Hernandez believes that his time spent interning with Justice Lewis has prepared him to be an even better law student and an excellent attorney in years to come.