Internship Opportunity with **Members Only** (NJOPD)
NJOPD offers hands-on experience and training for law students through internships/externships with attorneys, investigators, and other staff members. These opportunities are available year-round and statewide, providing students with real-world experience in assisting with investigations, client communication, research and writing, trial preparation, and advocacy. NJOPD is committed to providing the best possible legal representation to indigent individuals at both the trial and appellate levels.
About NJOPD
NJOPD is responsible for providing first class legal representation to individuals who cannot afford their own attorneys. This includes individuals facing criminal charges, those whose children have been removed due to allegations of abuse and neglect, children who have been removed from their homes, individuals involuntarily committed to State psychiatric facilities, individuals convicted of sex offenses facing Megan’s Law tier classification, and individuals seeking post-conviction relief. Our attorneys also represent clients in Recovery Court and Intensive Supervision Program matters, as well as through our Forensic Science Unit.
Internships for Law Students
Law students in their 2nd or 3rd year can gain valuable experience by interning/externing with NJOPD. They will have the opportunity to assist attorneys and staff with case preparation, litigation, and ongoing and/or systemic projects related to the representation of NJOPD clients. This includes conducting legal research and analysis, drafting motions, briefs, memoranda, and reports, assisting with trial preparation, participating in client and witness interviews, observing and appearing in courtroom proceedings, and attending training programs. Students who have completed 2 years of law school may even have the opportunity to appear in court under the supervision of NJOPD attorneys.
To Apply
Interested students can apply by emailing their cover letter, resume, and writing sample (law students only) to Internship Coordinator Dana Lane at ****. In their cover letter, students should explain why they are seeking an internship/externship with NJOPD, their practice area(s) of interest, geographic preference or limitations, and their availability (including anticipated start/end date, number of hours, and schedule). Applications are accepted on a rolling basis between June 15th and July 31st (Fall), October 15th and November 30th (Spring), and December 15th and April 15th (Summer).
All applicants must also go through an interview process with the regional office and/or Internship Coordinator, complete confidentiality and ethics paperwork, and be screened and approved before being offered an internship/externship with NJOPD.
Salary Information
Unfortunately, the internship/externship opportunities with NJOPD are unpaid. However, students will gain valuable experience and training that will benefit them in their future legal careers.
Experience Information
Interning/externing with NJOPD provides students with hands-on experience and training in the legal field. They will have the opportunity to work closely with attorneys, investigators, and staff in providing legal representation to indigent individuals. Students will also have the chance to participate in a variety of tasks, such as conducting legal research, drafting legal documents, and appearing in court under supervision. This experience will not only enhance students' legal skills, but also give them a better understanding of the criminal justice system and the importance of providing quality legal representation to those who cannot afford it.
