Litigation Section - Judicial Intern Opportunity Program
The Litigation Section’s Judicial Intern Opportunity Program (JIOP) is a pipeline program that provides summer internships with leading state and federal judges across the country to law students who are traditionally underrepresented in the profession. JIOP provides opportunities to students who are members of minority racial and ethnic groups, students with disabilities, veterans, students who are economically disadvantaged, students who identify as LGBTQ+, women, and others.
Jack W. Londen has a longstanding commitment to justice and civil rights and has generously matched the first $10,000 of JIOP contributions made during ABA Giving Day!
Your Gift Matters
JIOP has changed the lives of thousands of lawyers. Your gift will join those from the many JIOP supporters over the years whose generous support has made a significant difference to underrepresented law students. JIOP provides students with a critical $2,000 award to help offset some of the expenses incurred while they obtain the invaluable experience. JIOP has a proven track record. More than half of former JIOP interns go on to clerk and six former interns are now judges. This program has placed 3,615 students in internships with judges since it began in 2001.
“Through JIOP, I had the opportunity to meet extraordinary individuals who enriched my life, and it relieved financial hardships.” -- JIOP intern, Maya R. Jones
JIOP intern, Maya Jones with other interns and law clerks during her JIOP internship at the Central District of California.
Our Impact
More than 700 students apply to JIOP each year. Our volunteers
screen applicants before recommending them to the judges who
participate in the program. Their summer internship provides tangible,
measurable results. Our surveys show an increase in legal analysis (99%),
problem solving (97%), research (97%), writing (97%), and communication (96%).
Most JIOP interns are first generation law students with
many receiving need-based financial aid. JIOP’s programming and mentoring also enrich
the students’ summers. JIOP is often credited with helping students finding
their first job after law school.
"Serving as a JIOP intern was a transformative experience that has profoundly shaped me as a law student and as a person. I gained valuable exposure to the workings of the courtroom, the mechanics of legal arguments, and the best practices for litigation. The judge’s wisdom, integrity, and commitment to justice were unmatched. His lessons will continue illuminating my path and serve as a guidepost as I advance in the legal profession. I also enjoyed working alongside other talented JIOP interns. Their intelligence and camaraderie made chambers a lively and enriching place. Thank you, JIOP, for this incredible opportunity." --Uniqua Smith, JIOP intern
Volunteer
“I interview JIOP candidates because if I am not part of the solution, I remain part of the problem. And I get to meet some really interesting people.” -- Beatrice O’Donnell, Partner at Duane Morris, LLP
You can get involved with JIOP and volunteer to screen applicants for our summer 2025 program. JIOP applicants are given an initial interview with a practicing attorney where they attend law school. Volunteers play a critical role in the screening process and assist in identifying the best candidates for judicial consideration. Additionally, interviews provide applicants with important feedback and a valuable contact within the legal community. Sign up or email program director, Gail Howard, for more information if you would like to get more involved.
JIOP intern, Uniqua Smith and Mrs. Opal Lee during the Juneteenth Jubilee celebration at the Southern District of Texas Courthouse. Mrs. Lee, the grandmother of Juneteenth, walked 1,400 miles from Texas to Washington, DC to bring attention to the significance of Juneteenth.