Job Title: Winter 2026 Legal Intern
Job Responsibilities:
- As a legal intern at the organization, you will join high-volume trial lawyer teams and immerse yourself in the practical aspects of the legal profession.
- Interns will act as student lawyers and investigators, actively participating in all facets of the criminal justice system. This includes hands-on courtroom experiences, engaging in one-on-one client interactions, and conducting extensive legal research and writing.
- Under the supervision of experienced trial attorneys, interns may have the opportunity to appear on the record within actual courtrooms, gaining invaluable real-world experience and building confidence in their legal abilities.
- Interns will partake in comprehensive orientations and reviews tailored for Winter/Spring, Summer, and Fall terms, ensuring a rewarding experience by preparing them for their roles and addressing any queries throughout their internship.
- Interns may collaborate with the Arraignment Division on weekends for weekend arraignments, depending on availability.
Education and Experience Information:
- Applicants must be enrolled in law school or an accredited college.
- A strong academic record is required, along with a demonstrated genuine passion for criminal law and public defense.
- Successful candidates typically exhibit a commitment to justice, integrity, and a desire to make a positive impact in the lives of those they represent.
Internship Details:
- The internship program accommodates approximately 40 interns per term, ensuring a manageable and enriching experience with individualized attention and guidance from experienced attorneys.
- Interns are required to commit to a minimum of two days per week, dedicating 4 to 6 hours each day, resulting in a weekly total of 8 to 12 hours. Social work and investigator interns may have variations in their schedules based on school requirements and prevailing caseloads.
- Interns will coordinate their schedules within the operational hours of Monday to Friday, 8:30 am to 5 pm.
Earning Course Credit:
- The organization supports interns in acquiring course credit through their universities. Interns must coordinate necessary arrangements with their universities, which may involve providing required documentation or verification.
- Students required to complete a fixed number of volunteer hours for course credit must communicate this need to program coordinators and assigned supervisors. The organization is committed to assisting students in meeting these requirements on a case-by-case basis.
Internship Start Date(s):
- Interns must be available to start their internship within one week of the designated orientation date. If unable to begin within the specified timeframe, interns have the option to be placed on a waitlist for the respective term.
- The organization offers three internship sessions year-round, with the Winter 2026 term running from January 12, 2026, to April 30, 2026.
Application Process:
- Interested candidates should submit an updated resume, a compelling cover letter detailing their interest in the program and public defense, a short essay, and any other relevant documents.
- Applications are accepted on a rolling basis, and once the program reaches full capacity for a term, applications for the waitlist will continue to be accepted.
Salary Information:
- The internship positions are unpaid, but they often qualify for course credit at the intern's respective educational institution.
The organization looks forward to receiving applications and welcoming interns to their esteemed program.
