Internship Paralegal Student, (Summer)

Full-time

No

Internship Paralegal Student, Summer - NJOPD

Are you a college or graduate student looking for a hands-on experience in the legal field? The New Jersey Office of the Public Defender (NJOPD) offers internship opportunities for students interested in gaining real-world experience in criminal defense, parental representation, mental health advocacy, and more. With opportunities available year-round and statewide, this is a chance to work alongside experienced attorneys, investigators, and staff in providing top-notch legal representation to indigent individuals.

Opportunities for College and Graduate Students

Internship opportunities are open to college juniors and seniors, as well as graduate students. As an intern, you will have the chance to work closely with NJOPD investigators, attorneys, and staff, assisting with a variety of tasks such as locating and interviewing witnesses, conducting field investigations, and drafting reports. You will also have the opportunity to attend court proceedings and training programs, gaining valuable insight into the legal process.

Specialized Units for Graduate Students

Graduate students in fields such as social work can apply for internships in the NJOPD's specialized units, including Recovery Court and Mental Health Advocacy. These units focus on providing specialized and holistic legal representation to individuals facing mental health challenges or involved in the criminal justice system.

Paralegal Internship Opportunities

The NJOPD also offers internship opportunities for paralegal students. As an intern, you will have the chance to work alongside experienced paralegals and attorneys, gaining hands-on experience in legal research, client communication, trial preparation, and more.

How to Apply

To apply for an internship with the NJOPD, please submit a cover letter explaining your interest in the program, your preferred practice area(s), any geographic preferences or limitations, and your availability including start/end dates, number of hours, and schedule. Applications are accepted 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).

In addition to submitting application materials, all applicants must undergo an interview with a regional office or the Internship Coordinator, complete confidentiality and ethics paperwork, and be screened and approved before being offered an internship with the NJOPD.

About the NJOPD

The NJOPD is dedicated to providing top-notch legal representation to indigent individuals at both the trial and appellate levels. Our attorneys work in a variety of practice areas, including criminal defense, parental representation, mental health advocacy, and more. We also have specialized units that focus on providing holistic and specialized representation to individuals with mental health challenges or involved in the criminal justice system. Our attorneys are also involved in programs such as Recovery Court, Intensive Supervision Program, and our Forensic Science Unit.

Interning with the NJOPD is an excellent opportunity to gain hands-on experience in the legal field and make a difference in the lives of those in need of quality legal representation. Apply now for an internship with the NJOPD and be a part of our mission to provide first-class legal representation to indigent individuals in New Jersey.

Training and mentorship opportunities

Legal research, writing, client communication, trial preparation, advocacy, investigation, court proceedings, training programs, confidentiality, ethics

Submit cover letter explaining interest, practice area(s) of interest, geographic preference/limitations, availability

Qualification and Experience College junior, senior, or graduate student

Legal