Internship Opportunities with the **Members Only**
Organization: **Members Only**
Job Title: Internship, Fall
Experience: Law students who have completed 2 years of law school
Salary: Unpaid, but offers hands-on experience and excellent training and mentorship opportunities
Location: Statewide, New Jersey
Duration: Fall, between June 15th and July 31st
About NJOPD
NJOPD is a leading organization in providing first-class legal representation to indigent individuals at both the trial and appellate levels. They offer a hands-on experience for law students to work with attorneys, investigators, and staff in providing the best possible legal representation to their clients. NJOPD also offers excellent training and mentorship opportunities for students to gain real-world experience in various practice areas.
Job Description
NJOPD is offering internships for 2Ls and 3Ls who are interested in gaining experience in the legal field. The internship/externship program allows students to assist attorneys and staff with case preparation, litigation, and ongoing projects related to the representation of NJOPD clients. Some of the responsibilities include conducting legal research and analysis, drafting legal documents, participating in client and witness interviews, and attending courtroom proceedings.
Key Responsibilities
- Conduct legal research and analysis
- Draft motions, briefs, memoranda, and reports
- Assist with trial preparation
- Participate in client and witness interviews
- Observe and appear in courtroom proceedings
- Attend training programs
Requirements
- Must be a law student who has completed 2 years of law school
- Must be available for the fall internship/externship program between June 15th and July 31st
- Must submit a cover letter, resume, and writing sample (for law students only)
- Cover letter should explain why you are interested in interning with NJOPD, your practice area(s) of interest, geographic preference or limitations, and availability (start/end date, number of hours, and schedule)
Application Process
To apply for an internship/externship with NJOPD, interested candidates must email their application materials to the Internship Coordinator, Dana Lane, at ****. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis and must be received between June 15th and July 31st for the fall program, between October 15th and November 30th for the spring program, and between December 15th and April 15th for the summer program.
All applicants must go through an interview process with the regional office and/or the Internship Coordinator. They must also complete confidentiality and ethics paperwork and be screened and approved before being offered an internship/externship with NJOPD.
Benefits
- Gain real-world experience in various practice areas
- Work with experienced attorneys, investigators, and staff
- Excellent training and mentorship opportunities
- Opportunity to appear in court under the supervision of NJOPD attorneys
- Hands-on experience in case preparation, litigation, and ongoing projects
- Exposure to the legal system and court proceedings
- Opportunity to work on systemic projects related to the representation of NJOPD clients
How to Make a Strong Application
To make a strong application for an internship/externship with NJOPD, it is important to follow these tips:
1. Research the organization: Before applying, take the time to research NJOPD and understand their mission, values, and the work they do. This will help you tailor your application to their specific needs and show your genuine interest in the organization.
2. Highlight your skills and experience: In your cover letter and resume, highlight any relevant skills and experience that make you a strong candidate for the internship/externship. This could include legal research and writing skills, previous internships or jobs in the legal field, and any relevant coursework or extracurricular activities.
3. Show your passion for public defense: NJOPD is a public defender's office, so it is important to convey your passion for this field of law in your application. Share any experiences or motivations that sparked your interest in public defense and how you hope to make a positive impact in this area of law.
4. Be specific: In your cover letter, be specific about why you are interested in interning/externing with NJOPD. Mention any specific practice areas you are interested in, any geographic preferences or limitations, and your availability. This will show that you have done your research and are serious about the opportunity.
5. Proofread your application: Before submitting your application, make sure to proofread it for any spelling or grammatical errors. A well-written and error-free application shows attention to detail and professionalism.
In conclusion, an internship/externship with NJOPD offers law students the opportunity to gain hands-on experience in the legal field, work with experienced attorneys and staff, and receive excellent training and mentorship. The application process is competitive, so it is important to follow the tips mentioned above to make a strong application.
