NAF Academy of Law Studies Opens Doors for Future Legal Professionals 

For students interested in law, government, public service, and advocacy, the NAF Academy of Law Studies at Hialeah Gardens High School in Miami-Dade County Public Schools (M-DCPS) provides an early introduction to the legal field while helping students build the academic and professional skills needed for future success. 

As part of the NAF network, the Academy of Law Studies is a unique pathway that combines rigorous coursework with hands-on learning experiences designed to connect classroom knowledge to real-world careers in law. The program offers two distinct pathways: a Law Studies strand, which prepares student-advocates for careers in government and the justice system, and a Criminal Justice strand, which blends law with forensics to provide a deep dive into law enforcement and public safety.  

Across both tracks of learning, students build the foundations of the American legal system through courses such as Legal Systems and Concepts, U.S. Constitutional Law, Legal Ethics, and Court Procedures—developing critical thinking, research, writing, and communication skills along the way. Students in the Law Studies strand can also earn college credit through dual-enrollment courses in government and public speaking, and work toward industry-recognized certifications in the fields of paralegal services and project management. These experiences contribute to a robust high school law program that delivers measurable outcomes beyond graduation.  

Outside of the classroom, students have opportunities to participate in experiential learning activities that bring legal concepts to life. The Academy’s signature programs include Mock Trial, Moot Court, We the People, and Project Citizen—competitions and simulations where students prepare cases, develop legal arguments, and present before judges and legal professionals on local, regional, and national stages. These experiences build confidence, sharpen public speaking abilities, and offer practical insight into how the legal system actually works. The Academy has also welcomed an impressive roster of high-profile guest speakers, including U.S. Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor, Federal District Court Judge Beth Bloom, Florida Supreme Court Justice John D. Couriel, and Congressman Mario Díaz-Balart, among others—giving students rare access to leaders at the highest levels of law and public service. 

The academy also emphasizes career readiness through mentorship, professional networking, work-based learning opportunities, and industry-recognized certifications. A standout feature of the program is its paid summer internship, which qualified M-DCPS students can pursue through the Summer Youth Internship Program (SYIP).  

“Our interns have gained hands-on experience at institutions such as the State Attorney’s Office—assisting the public, attending bond hearings, researching case law, and supporting victim services—while students in the Criminal Justice strand have had the opportunity to intern with the Hialeah Gardens Police Department. Real-world placements such as these give students a firsthand look at legal and law enforcement careers before they ever set foot on a college campus,” said Dr. Derrick Johnson, Academy of Law Studies Instructor, Hialeah Gardens High School. 

This pathway’s impact extends far beyond high school graduation. Alumni have gone on to pursue degrees in political science, law and law enforcement, public administration, and related fields. Exposure to legal concepts, professional expectations, and experiential learning opportunities provides students with a strong foundation on which to build their academic and career goals. 

For many students, the Academy of Law Studies acts as more than a career academy—it provides a roadmap for the future. By combining academic rigor, practical experience, and meaningful mentorship, the program helps students transform their interests into achievable career aspirations while preparing them to become the next generation of legal professionals, public servants, and community leaders. 

The Academy of Law Studies is just one example of what’s possible. NAF is expanding access to 95+ career pathways—from green technology and audio & video production to dental, GIS, public service, and fashion— all designed to meet the needs of your local workforce. 

To learn more about our various pathways, visit our career pathways page and to learn more about bringing a NAF academy to your district, visit our start an academy page.