Montgomery County Public Defender’s Office, AL
Summer Law Internship Program
The Montgomery County Public Defender’s Office was established in 2015 to serve Montgomery County, Alabama. The mission the Office of the Public Defender is to zealously protect and defend the rights of our clients through compassionate and effective legal representation of the highest quality, in pursuit of a fair and unbiased system of justice for all. We are focused on continuing to build a client-centered, holistic, and community-connected office of committed public defenders. Our team here includes attorneys, client advocates, social workers, investigators, and administrative staff.
Internship Length: We ask for a minimum commitment of eight (8) weeks so that our interns can fully benefit from our coordinated 8-week Intern Defender Training Series. We are open to both rising 2Ls and 3Ls for summer positions.
Compensation: Unpaid, though eligible to host public interest, school, or private stipends. Free parking is available for our interns and some student budget housing options are available.
Responsibilities: Interns can expect to be fully included in the team here and be assigned to an attorney mentor doing the following:
- Interview clients at all stages of their criminal case both in-custody and out-of-custody
- Participate in case investigation including joining our investigators
- For rising 2Ls, assist attorneys during all parts of criminal court hearings and trials
- For rising 3Ls with an Alabama Student Bar Card, advocate on behalf of clients under the supervision of our attorneys during court hearings (preliminary hearings, motions hearings, bond hearings, trials, sentencing)
- Research legal issues pertinent to clients’ current criminal cases
- Draft motions, memoranda, and case documents
- Participate in our Intern Defender Training Series where students will engage in 8 weeks of interactive, on-your-feet skills training
Desired Experience and Qualifications: The internship program is limited to four (4) positions, for rising second and third year law students who possess the following:
- Excellent research, writing, and communication skills.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office, including internet research.
- Proficiency in Westlaw or LexisNexis.
- The initiative to see projects through to completion.
- A strong interest in and commitment to criminal defense advocacy
How to Apply: Please send a cover letter, résumé, three (3) references, a current transcript, and a legal writing sample to the Intern Selection Committee, by email to careers@montgomerydefender.org.
The Montgomery County Public Defender’s Office is an equal opportunity employer. We value a diverse workforce and an inclusive culture. We encourage applications from all qualified individuals without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, age, national origin, marital status, citizenship, disability, and veteran status.