Andres Rakower, a third-year student at the University of Miami School of Law, isn't waiting for graduation to dive into the world of litigation. Already a key player at the Broward State Attorney’s Office as a certified legal intern, Rakower is leveraging the unique opportunity to practice law while still in school, fast-tracking his journey toward becoming a state prosecutor. He accessed this opportunity through the law school’s Litigation Skills Externship Program.
Rakower, a native of Venezuela, has compiled an impressive array of experiences that underscore his commitment to public service and litigation. He is involved with the University of Miami International and Comparative Law Review, as articles and comments editor, and also serves as advocacy co-chair for the Public Interest Leadership Board.
The CLI advantage: speaking on the record
The role of a certified legal intern is transformative, providing law students with practical experience working under the supervision of a licensed attorney to engage in the supervised practice of law. Students who complete the Litigation Skills I class can select a field placement through the Litigation Skills Externship Program, where they can earn CLI certification from the Supreme Court of Florida.
For Rakower, this was an opportunity he seized immediately.
"I became interested in becoming a certified legal intern the moment I learned of the opportunity," he said. "I came into law school with hopes of entering the practice as a litigation attorney... Being a certified legal intern allows me to do most of what a licensed attorney can do, including speaking on the record and trying my own cases. Being able to gain that experience while still being in law school seemed like a no-brainer to me."
At the Broward State Attorney’s Office, Rakower’s responsibilities are extensive and essential. From preparing initial discovery and plea offers to participating in jury trials, he is deeply immersed in the criminal justice process. He has already had the opportunity to speak on the record and is "expecting to argue a motion soon," further solidifying his courtroom capabilities.
Sharpening the litigator's mindset
The hands-on experience as a CLI has been instrumental in honing Rakower’s litigation skills.
“As a CLI, I have gained a tremendous amount of confidence from speaking on the record,” he said. “I have also improved on my ability to identify evidentiary issues that can derail a case as it's being prepared for trial.”
Rakower notes that some of his most significant lessons have come from substantive conversations with defense counsel before trial. “Being able to switch hats and think like an attorney for the other side is probably the most important skill to develop in litigation, and it is a skill I am continuing to sharpen and improve on.”
A foundation built on diverse experience
Rakower's prior experience provides a strong foundation for his courtroom career. As a HOPE Summer Public Interest Fellow in 2024, his commitment to public service was clear. He previously interned with the Broward State Attorney's Office, researching Florida case law on police searches and even interpreting digital evidence in Spanish for a Traffic Homicide Special Unit trial.
His experience extends beyond criminal law. Rakower was an intern at the Investor Rights Clinic at the School of Law, where he spearheaded a Financial Industry Regulatory Authority simplified mediation that resulted in a settlement for a pro bono client. He also served as a judicial intern for the Honorable David S. Leibowitz in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida, drafting complex orders on motions for compassionate release and default judgments. Additionally, his time as a summer associate at Weisser, Elazar & Kantor, PLLC, provided him with exposure to civil litigation, specifically in the areas of domestic insurance and personal injury claims.
These roles have been supplemented by his involvement in the Litigation Skills Program, which he describes as an “unmatched practice arena for any aspiring litigant,” praising the opportunity to participate in simulated trials and receive feedback from experienced attorneys and judges.
Rakower is determined to become a successful litigator. “I am preparing to become a state prosecutor after graduation and passing the bar, with the hopes of gaining tons of trial and motion practice experience,” he said.
Thanks to his time as a certified legal intern, it’s clear that Rakower will enter the field not just prepared but already battle-tested.
Read more about Miami Law’s Litigation Skills Program.
Read more about Miami Law’s litigation, arbitration, and dispute resolution area of study.
