Third-year law student Asiya Khan took advantage of Miami Law's hands-on training opportunities and spent the Fall 2021 semester interning with Chief Bankruptcy Judge Laurel Isicoff, J.D. ’82, in the U.S. Southern District Bankruptcy Court of Florida.
A native of New Port Richey, Florida, Khan heard of the internship opportunity through the Career Development Office at Miami Law. During her time working with Isicoff, Khan assisted in drafting orders, prepared bench memorandums of relevant bankruptcy issues, and conducted legal research in various aspects of Chapter 7, 11, and 13 bankruptcies. She also had the chance to observe how Isicoff handles the daily aspects of her courtroom.
“I have been able to work alongside Judge Isicoff and her law clerk, navigating the complexities of the bankruptcy process,” said Khan. “The internship has both challenged and pushed me to consider the possible outcomes for both parties while remaining within the corners of the bankruptcy provisions.”
Khan’s favorite experience while working in the bankruptcy court was becoming a part of Isicoff’s courtroom family.
“Whenever Judge Isicoff, her law clerk, and her staff would all come to the courthouse in person, I would also come in during those days,” said Khan. “We all had lunch together in Judge Isicoff’s office, and it truly felt like a work family. Judge Isicoff is an admirable woman; she genuinely is interested in getting to know her interns and learning what their goals and aspirations are. She also offers immense wisdom and advice.”
A graduate of the University of Florida with a degree in anthropology, Khan decided to pursue her law degree at Miami Law because of its strategic location.
“I knew I wanted to practice in Florida,” explained Khan. “Out of all the schools in this state, UM’s strategic location offers competitive advantages that will help shape my career trajectory. Starting with the accomplished alumni, the friendly and welcoming practicing attorneys here, and the networking opportunities, the diversity and inclusion of South Florida is unmatched.”
At Miami Law, Khan has been involved with the Race & Social Justice Law Review, the First-Generation Law Student Association, South/West Asian and North African Law Student Association, and Miami Law Student Ambassadors. She also participated in the John T. Gaubatz Moot Court competition.
After graduating from Miami Law this upcoming May, Khan hopes to stay in South Florida and pursue her interest in bankruptcy law by working for a firm that practices commercial and insolvency litigation. She also plans on clerking for a bankruptcy judge in the Southern District.
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