FAMU Law Rising 3L Kayla Carestia Secures Prestigious Federal Clerkship
Orlanda, Fla. - In just four short weeks, a dream came true for Kayla Carestia, a rising third-year law student at Florida A&M University College of Law. With a combination of preparation, perseverance, and the unwavering support of the FAMU Law community, Kayla earned a coveted federal appellate clerkship with the Honorable Judge Stephanie Thacker of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit.
It all began with a phone call.
“I was about to board a flight when Associate Dean (Randolph) Reliford called,” Carestia recalls. “He told me about a postgraduate job opportunity he thought I’d be interested in, and we quickly set up a meeting to discuss it further.”
That opportunity turned out to be an appellate clerkship with Judge Thacker, an experience Carestia soon realized aligned perfectly with her goals. Through independent research, she immersed herself in Judge Thacker’s judicial opinions and career background. The more she learned, the more she knew this was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
Carestia wasted no time preparing her application materials. With Reliford’s guidance, she fine-tuned her resume and cover letter and submitted her application just before the deadline. The very next day, she received a call inviting her to interview in West Virginia.
“The interview was incredible,” she says. “Judge Thacker, her Judicial Assistant Ms. Young, her career clerk, and her term clerks were all so kind and welcoming. I just loved everyone.”
Out of hundreds of applicants, only nine were invited to interview and from those, just three were selected. Days later, Carestia received the call, which she will never forget; she got the position.
“I cried,” she admits. “I was overwhelmed with happiness, thankfulness, and shock. A huge dream had come true in such a short amount of time.”
Kayla Carestia is ready to tackle her federal clerkship, using the skills honed at
FAMU College of Law. (Photo special to FAMU)
Carestia quickly credits her education and mentors at FAMU College of Law for preparing her for this success.
"The education I've received here, from doctrinal to writing and research classes, has given me strong analytical and writing skills," she says. "But more than that, the support has been unmatched."
Career Services, particularly Reliford, played a critical role throughout the application process, reviewing her materials and helping her prepare for the interview.
“Kayla is a wonderful person and student. She will be a tremendous asset to the legal community,” said Reliford. “Her passion, intellect, and humility are exactly what the federal judiciary needs. We’re proud of her, and I have no doubt she’ll make an extraordinary contribution to Judge Thacker’s chambers.”
Associate Instructor Marlese Wells for Academic Success and Bar Preparation, a longtime mentor, also made a significant impact, running through practice questions the day of the interview.
“Instructor Wells has continually lifted me up and pushed me to be my best,” Carestia says. “And I can’t forget all the professors and friends who sent me good luck texts. Knowing people believed in me meant so much.”
Reflecting on Carestia’s success, Wells shared:
"I couldn't be prouder of Kayla. She is the epitome of what every law student should strive to be: hardworking, dedicated, intellectually curious, and deeply committed to both personal excellence and the success of those around her. Kayla consistently challenges herself to grow while uplifting her peers and being a supportive, positive presence in our law school community.”
Wells described Carestia’s legal skills as outstanding, and she has no doubt she will make “an incredible asset to Judge Thacker.”
“It has been such a joy to watch Kayla flourish throughout her time at FAMU Law – growing in confidence, sharpening her legal skills, and stepping fully into her potential. I am beyond proud of her,” Wells said.
As she prepares to join Judge Thacker’s team, Carestia is most excited about continuing to grow.
“This clerkship will allow me to dive into complex legal issues and refine my legal writing,” she says. “And I’m thrilled to be part of the tight-knit, welcoming community Judge Thacker has built.”
Carestia’s journey to appellate work was partly shaped by professors like Professor Wells and Professor Omar Saleem, who she says helped her realize that she could pursue her love for criminal law in a different, equally impactful way.
A standout moment, Carestia says, was taking appellate advocacy, where she discovered her passion for researching and writing briefs—skills that will serve her well in her upcoming clerkship.
Carestia has heartfelt advice for fellow FAMU Law students with federal clerkship dreams:
“Work hard, especially in your writing classes. Stay true to who you are, and don’t get discouraged. Even if one door doesn’t open, the right one will. You’ll end up exactly where you’re meant to be.”
Media Contact:
Rachel James-Terry
Senior Director of Strategic Communications
rachel.jamesterry@famu.edu
