About the role
Law School Students
This is how lifelong careers as Public Defenders usually begin. Our internship for law school students allow them to work directly with clients and the defense team, comprised of attorneys, investigators, paralegals, and social workers. Responsibilities include meeting with clients, reviewing documents, drafting motions, attending meetings with experts and other witnesses, and participating in advocacy team meetings and case conferences.
Students certified to practice law may also be given the opportunity to argue motions on behalf of clients in court. Academic credit is available if there is an agreement between our office and the intern’s university. Work-study is offered if the office’s portion is covered by the university.
Prerequisites
Applicants must possess strong written and oral communication skills. We expect student to have a demonstrated committed to indigent criminal defense. Those with a general interest in criminal law or who view being a prosecutor as a possible career choice should not apply.
School (Fall/Winter) session participation requires a 16-20 hours per week and Summer a full-time, forty (40) hours per week, commitment for the entire duration of the session. Students must be able to start by the session’s start date and must attend an orientation on or before their start date. Sessions cannot be split and students cannot participate for shorter periods of time.