Summer Externs Serve in Underrepresented Nevada Communities

Each summer, the Samuel S. Lionel Externship Program provides experiential opportunities in placements serving underrepresented communities throughout Nevada.  Students who receive an offer to work in rural public defender and district attorney offices are named Lionel Fellows and receive a $5,000 summer scholarship.  Students who work in rural public defender offices are also eligible to receive a $6,500 stipend from the Nevada Department of Indigent Defense Services (DIDS) to help offset the costs of relocating and living outside Las Vegas during the summer. 

This summer, Scott Cunningham was awarded the Lionel Fellow Summer Scholarship for his externship with the Churchill County Public Defender’s Office in Fallon, NV. Dionne Stanfill will intern with the Elko County Public Defender’s Office in Elko, NV.  Both students will receive the Department of Indigent Defense Services Summer Stipend. 

Previously, students have externed with the Elko County Public Defender; the State Public Defender in Carson City, Nevada; and the Lincoln County District Attorney in Pioche, Nevada. 

The Samuel S. Lionel Externship Program was established in 2021 through a $1 million endowment from Sam and Lexy Lionel.  This gift recognizes Mr. Lionel’s significant and lasting contributions to the Las Vegas legal community and provides support to enhance the externship program and provide scholarships to students.