Internship Paralegal Student, (Fall)

Full-time

No

Job Title: Internship Paralegal Student (Fall)
Salary: Unpaid
Experience: College and Graduate Students

Organization: New Jersey Office of the Public Defender (NJOPD)
Department: Various

Introduction:
The New Jersey Office of the Public Defender (NJOPD) offers a unique opportunity for college and graduate students to gain hands-on experience working with attorneys, investigators, and staff in providing legal representation to indigent individuals. The internship program provides valuable training and mentorship opportunities while also allowing students to assist with various tasks such as investigations, client communication, research, and trial preparation.

Internship Opportunities:
- Investigator interns assist NJOPD investigators, attorneys, and staff with various tasks such as locating and interviewing witnesses, serving subpoenas, and conducting field investigations.
- Graduate students in fields such as social work can apply for specialized internships in units such as Recovery Court and Mental Health Advocacy.
- Paralegal students can also apply for internships at NJOPD.

Responsibilities:
- Assisting with investigations
- Conducting research and gathering information and documents
- Drafting reports
- Attending court proceedings and training programs
- Providing support to attorneys and staff

Requirements:
- Cover letter explaining interest in internship and practice areas of interest
- Availability including anticipated start/end date, number of hours, and schedule
- Interview with regional office and/or Internship Coordinator
- Completion of confidentiality and ethics paperwork
- Screening and approval by NJOPD

Application Process:
- Applications are considered on a rolling basis and must be received between June 15th and July 31st (Fall); between October 15th and November 30th (Spring); and between December 15th and April 15th (Summer).
- Cover letters should be submitted with application materials and explain reasons for seeking an internship with NJOPD, practice areas of interest, geographic preferences or limitations, and availability.

About NJOPD:
- NJOPD provides first class legal representation to indigent individuals at both the trial and appellate levels.
- Attorneys at NJOPD defend individuals charged with criminal offenses, represent individuals whose children have been removed based on allegations of abuse and neglect, and those involuntarily committed to State psychiatric facilities.
- NJOPD also has specialized units for representing individuals facing Megan's Law tier classification, seeking post-conviction relief, and participating in Recovery Court and Intensive Supervision Program matters.
- Attorneys at NJOPD also work in the Forensic Science Unit.

SEO-Friendly Job Title: Internship Paralegal Student at NJOPD (Fall)

H1: Gain Hands-on Experience with NJOPD Internships for College and Graduate Students
H2: Valuable Training and Mentorship Opportunities Available at NJOPD

Bullet Points:
- Internship opportunities available for college juniors and seniors and graduate students
- Assist with investigations, client communication, research and writing, trial preparation and advocacy
- Specialized internships available for graduate students in fields such as social work
- Paralegal students can also apply for internships at NJOPD
- Applications considered on a rolling basis and must be received between specific dates for each season
- Cover letter should explain interest in NJOPD, practice areas of interest, geographic preferences, and availability
- Interview, confidentiality and ethics paperwork, and approval required for all applicants
- NJOPD provides first class legal representation to indigent individuals at both the trial and appellate levels
- Attorneys at NJOPD work in various units to defend individuals charged with criminal offenses, represent individuals in child welfare cases, and assist with post-conviction relief and Megan's Law matters
- Interns at NJOPD have the opportunity to work in the Forensic Science Unit and participate in Recovery Court and Intensive Supervision Program matters.

Hands-on experience, training and mentorship opportunities

Legal research, writing, client communication, investigation, trial preparation, advocacy, training, mentorship, confidentiality, ethics

College junior or senior, graduate student, paralegal student

Cover letter explaining interest in internship, practice areas of interest, geographic preference/limitations, and availability; interviews, completion of paperwork, and screening required prior to internship offer

Qualification and Experience College junior or senior, graduate student, paralegal student

Legal