Mitigation and Placement Unit Internship

Internships & Pro Bono

Join a team of highly skilled professionals and contribute to the high-quality representation provided to our clients. Through internship and pro bono programs, aspiring assistant public defenders and private attorneys alike can sharpen their skills and advance their professional development while working in one of the nation's most challenging criminal justice systems.

The application deadline for Summer internships (CLIs and non-CLIs) is March 15; for Fall, it is July 15; for Spring, it is November 1. No applications will be accepted late.

Mitigation and Placement Unit Internship Program

Candidates for a graduate degree in social work or mental health counseling can participate in our Mitigation and Placement Internship Program. We are always looking for inquisitive, insightful, empathetic persons with superior written- and oral-communications skills to work in our Mitigation and Placement Services Unit.

Our mitigation specialists assist assistant public defenders in all divisions by assessing clients’ individual needs and strengths and then developing rehabilitative treatment and sentencing plans, when appropriate. Interns receive formal supervision under which they may interview clients and their families. They also assist with preparation of psycho-social histories, access services for clients and learn about community resources. Interested students should contact their school’s placement office, complete our online application, then email their resume and statement of interest to Elisa Quesada, Chief Assistant Public Defender, Mitigation and Client Services Partnerships and Capital Litigation Unit Co-Coordinator.