Internship Program, Summer

Full-time

No

Internship Program, Summer

Traditional Unit: The traditional unit comprises trial and appellate attorneys, investigators, paralegals, and legal assistants in each of the four offices. Each office offers unique opportunities to learn about federal defense, from bank robbery and gun charges in Dallas/Fort Worth to major highway drug interdiction cases in Lubbock and Amarillo. The Assistant Federal Public Defenders in the trial unit handle caseloads consisting of misdemeanors, felonies, and probation revocations. AFPDs in the appellate unit represent clients before the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals and the United States Supreme Court, as well as handling post-conviction and compassionate release cases.


Frequently Asked Questions

Why should I intern with the FPD?

Both the Traditional Unit and the Capital Habeas Unit provide extensive training on the complexities of the federal system and the realities of defense work. Both programs begin with a formal fundamentals training taught by multiple experienced attorneys and staff in the office. We also provide ongoing training and feedback throughout the internship program. We treat our interns as part of the team and include them in trial strategy meetings, client visits, expert consultations, and investigations. Our interns do real, substantive legal work and we strive to ensure all interns leave the program with a strong writing sample. All interns have regular meetings with intern supervisors to receive feedback and one-on-one instruction. The office also arranges for summer interns to travel to New Orleans to observe our appellate attorneys present oral argument at the Fifth Circuit.



What is the office environment like?

Our office prizes its collegial atmosphere and open-door environment. Because no single person can do this work alone, you will work with experienced lawyers, mitigation specialists, investigators, paralegals, and legal assistants. We encourage interns to ask questions, get involved in cases, and take advantage of as many opportunities as possible to learn about public defense.



Is this a paid internship?

Internships are unpaid at this time. However, the FPD will work with interns to obtain academic credit, funding through their law schools, or funding from other sources.



What do you look for when selecting interns?

The Federal Public Defender’s Office is committed to improving diversity in the legal profession. Racial bias and disparity in sentencing are clear issues in the criminal legal system. We represent clients from a range of backgrounds, including many from other countries. It is critical to our clients’ representation that the office be comprised of individuals from diverse cultures and backgrounds. The nature of our work leads us to invest in recruiting colleagues who demonstrate experience with, knowledge of, and sensitivity to the needs of culturally diverse and oppressed populations.

Traditional Unit: The trial and appellate sections select both rising 2L and 3L students for all four offices. We seek interns with a demonstrated interest in criminal defense, strong research and writing skills, and a commitment to public service. We prefer, but do not require, that interns have already taken courses in criminal law and procedure, evidence, and constitutional law. Fluency in Spanish and clinic experience is a plus.

Capital Habeas Unit: The CHU selects rising 3L students. We seek candidates with an interest in death penalty defense, strong research and writing skills, and a commitment to working with marginalized communities and with clients from a range of backgrounds. Spanish fluency is a plus.



When does the internship program begin?

Traditional Unit: The summer program begins on the Monday before Memorial Day. We require a minimum commitment of six weeks but interns are welcome to stay for the full summer. Semester externship dates are determined on a case-by-case basis. Traditional Unit internships are in-person.

Capital Habeas Unit: The summer program begins in early June and requires a minimum commitment of eight weeks. Semester externship dates are determined on a case-by-case basis. CHU internships are remote.



When should I apply?

We accept applications for both units on a rolling basis. Summer intern classes are normally finalized between September and late February. Semester extern applications are accepted at any time.



How do I apply?

Traditional Unit: Please complete the Internship Application Form on our website. Once you have submitted the form, email your cover letter, resume, unofficial transcript, and a short writing sample (5-10 pages) in a single document to (link sends e-mail). Write “Traditional Unit Summer/Semester Internship” in the subject line. In your cover letter, please indicate which office you are applying to (Dallas, Fort Worth, Lubbock, Amarillo) and if you are interested in the trial section, appellate section, or both.

Capital Habeas Unit: Please complete the Internship Application Form on our website. Once you have submitted the form, email your cover letter, resume, unofficial transcript, and a short writing sample (5-10 pages) in a single document to (link sends e-mail). Write “CHU Summer/Semester Internship” in the subject line.



Can I contact you if I have more questions?

Please email questions to:

Traditional Unit: (link sends e-mail), (link sends e-mail), and (link sends e-mail)

Capital Habeas Unit: (link sends e-mail) and (link sends e-mail)

Qualification and Experience The CHU selects rising 3L students. We seek candidates with an interest in death penalty defense, strong research and writing skills, and a commitment to working with marginalized communities and with clients from a range of backgrounds. Spanish fluency is a plus.

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