Nominated by the University of Miami School of Law’s Immigration Clinic, recent graduate Joseph “Joe” Korzeb, J.D. ’26, received the prestigious Clinical Legal Education Association (CLEA) Outstanding Student Award. This national honor recognizes law students across the country who demonstrate excellence in both the fieldwork and seminar components of their clinical courses, while also making significant contributions to their law school’s clinical and legal communities.
"Joe is truly the exception," said Andrea Jacoski, associate director of the clinic. "His thoroughness in research, strength in writing, and attention to detail set him apart. Just as importantly, he demonstrates genuine care for his peers, clinic clients, and the broader immigration landscape."
High-Stakes Advocacy across Courts and Agencies
Korzeb’s work with the Immigration Clinic began in fall 2024, when he was a 2L. From the start, he immersed himself in demanding, high-stakes litigation. During his 2L year alone, Korzeb litigated two full bench trials in immigration court and contributed to briefing before the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit.
As a 3L Fellow, his responsibilities expanded across multiple federal and administrative bodies. In the fall 2025 semester, Korzeb drafted an appellate brief for the Board of Immigration Appeals, contributed to habeas corpus briefing in federal district court, and assisted with ongoing briefing before the Eleventh Circuit. His advocacy also extended into the field, where he co-led an all-day Know Your Rights program at a federal detention center, guided students through client intakes, and helped coordinate case placements with pro bono attorneys. This past spring semester, he contributed to a habeas reply brief, prepared for oral argument before the Eleventh Circuit, and supported peers as they prepared for a mid-April bench trial.
“Joe Korzeb was an exceptional student in the Immigration Clinic from 2024 to 2026, both as a 2L and as a returning 3L Fellow,” said Jacoski. “Having Joe at counsel table with me before the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit brought the case full circle, as did winning an appeal before the Board of Immigration Appeals in a case Joe litigated in the Department of Justice Immigration Court. Joe is well on his way to becoming an exemplary member of The Florida Bar.”
Beyond his individual caseload, Korzeb became a cornerstone of support within the clinic. He provided kind, constructive guidance to 2L students, helping them prepare for three asylum bench trials and a bond hearing last fall. Whether offering feedback or going the extra mile by traveling to remote facilities to help prepare clients for trial, Korzeb strengthened the entire program.
“Joe’s leadership in the Immigration Clinic has inspired students to meet difficult trial and appellate challenges with skill and compassion,” said Rebecca Sharpless, director of the clinic. “His skill, positivity, and devotion to our clients exemplify the very best of the profession.”
Following graduation and passing the bar exam, Korzeb will bring his clinical experience to private practice as an associate at Shutts & Bowen.
“Working in the clinic was the best part of my law school experience because I worked with real clients, tried cases in Immigration Court, and helped draft briefs on novel legal issues for the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit,” said Korzeb. “I was able to do all of that with the constant guidance of my clinical professors in a highly engaged setting.”
Learn more about the School of Law’s clinics.
