Forensic Photography Program Participant Deemed Unpaid ‘Intern’

A participant in Miami-Dade County’s forensic photography training program was an intern not an employee, and therefore not covered by federal wage and hour law, a divided Eleventh Circuit affirmed.

Brandi McKay began the six-month Miami-Dade County Medical Examiner’s Forensic Imaging Preceptorship Program in April 2019.

For the first four weeks, she completed workbook assignments and training as she took forensic autopsy photographs. From the fifth week on, she worked in the morgue taking photos both with and without supervision .

McKay’s participation in the program ended in September 2019.

She sued the county for unpaid wages and overtime under ...