Law Student - Government in Malden, MA

Government

Malden, MA

Law Student - Government in Malden, MA

Law Student

No

Job Title
Internship - Fall 2025 - Public Defender Division

Job Responsibilities
Interns in the Public Defender Division are tasked with various responsibilities that closely align with the work of dedicated attorneys, social service advocates, and investigators. These responsibilities include:
- Representing clients at arraignment and arguing for their release from imprisonment if certified under SJC Rule 3:03.
- Representing clients at pretrial hearings, including hearings on motions to dismiss, again if certified under SJC Rule 3:03.
- Meeting with and interviewing clients in the office and at various prisons, jails, and hospitals.
- Conducting legal research to support case preparation and defense strategies.
- Drafting pretrial motions and legal memoranda to assist attorneys in court proceedings.
- Assisting attorneys in preparing for motions and trials by gathering and organizing necessary information.
- Investigating cases, which may involve visiting the locations of alleged offenses and interviewing witnesses to gather evidence and testimony.

Education and Experience Information
This internship position is available to law students who will have completed their first year of law school by the start of the internship. The position is particularly suited for students who:
- Enjoy legal research and writing.
- Have coursework that demonstrates an interest in criminal law.
- Have a commitment to social and racial justice.
- Share a commitment to providing clients with zealous legal representation.

Students who have successfully completed or are enrolled in an evidence or trial practice class may represent clients in court under the supervision of a staff public defender, provided they have written approval from their dean and meet the conditions of SJC Rule 3:03. Students not eligible for 3:03 certification are also encouraged to apply.

Helpful qualifications include:
- Coursework in evidence, criminal law, criminal procedure, constitutional law, critical legal theory, and/or trial advocacy.
- Experience working with low-income clients, people of color, immigrants, LGBTQ people, and other historically oppressed groups.
- Experience working with clients with mental illnesses and substance abuse disorders.
- Ability to speak a foreign language is considered a plus.

Salary Information
This is an unpaid internship position. Students are encouraged to explore all available funding sources for internships at public service agencies, including opportunities through their school or federal work-study fellowships.

The internship offers both part-time and full-time positions, allowing students to gain valuable experience in the field of public defense while contributing to the mission of advocating for equal justice and human dignity for all clients.

Legal Terminology and Important Information
Interns will work under the close supervision of experienced attorneys and are expected to engage in both in-court and out-of-court activities. The internship begins with training focused on client advocacy skills and Massachusetts criminal practice. The office values diversity, equity, and inclusion, and is committed to providing a respectful work climate that supports success and promotes the dignity and well-being of all staff members.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement
The organization is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate based on race, color, national origin, ethnicity, sex, disability, religion, age, veteran or military status, genetic information, gender identity, or sexual orientation. Applicants requiring reasonable accommodations can contact the Chief Human Resources Officer.

This internship provides a comprehensive experience in legal advocacy and public defense, contributing to the overarching mission of the organization to protect the rights of individuals and promote just public policy.