University of Miami School of Law third-year law student Alejandro J. Sanz has assumed a new role in Florida's capital as a Fellow for the Florida Supreme Court thanks to the assistance of the law school's externship program.
Sanz is working with Justice John D. Couriel Justice Couriel's chambers. He is spending his fellowship reviewing and making recommendations on petitions for discretionary review, attorney discipline matters, and extraordinary writ petitions, conducting legal research, and preparing memoranda on pending cases.
He also attends oral arguments, discusses cases with staff attorneys and justices, assists in drafting orders and opinions, and attends various special lectures, group discussions, and training sessions.
"I believe that this is not just an achievement for my own career, but a testament to how UM Law catapults its students into opportunities we only dream of," the 25-year-old said. "Despite having to move from Miami to Tallahassee, the transition has been more comfortable than I expected, and I credit much of that to the wonderful opportunities and challenges Miami Law offers its students."
The Miami native wanted to attend law school since high school, fueled by the early influence of his brother, Jorge Sanz, J.D. '18, who was then a first-year student at Miami Law.
"At the time, I began learning about the function and influence of the United States Supreme Court through civics and American history courses, and so, conversations about the law and being a lawyer naturally permeated our home, only affirming my desire to follow in my brother's footsteps," he said.
While at the law school, Sanz also clerked at Zebersky Payne Shaw Lewenz, LLP, in Fort Lauderdale and interned for U.S. District Judge Roy K. Altman. He participated in the law school's Startup Clinic, was on the board of the Charles C. Papy, Jr. Moot Court, vice president of the Advanced Appellate Advocacy II Course, and founder and president of the law school's Regulated Industries Legal Society.
"I think I chose Miami Law simply because I believe I owe many of my achievements to this incredible community," he said. "Raised by two Cuban immigrant parents, I am profoundly appreciative of the opportunities Miami has afforded me. I entered Miami Law with the expectation that this academic community would continue to provide significant opportunities and advantages. I am pleased to confirm that Miami Law has met that expectation."
Read more about Miami Law’s Externship Programs.
