Criminal Defense Practice Legal Intern – Spring 2027
About The Position
The Legal Aid Society, the nation's oldest and largest social justice legal services organization, has Spring 2027 Legal Internships for the Criminal Defense Practice (CDP) throughout the city. The Criminal Defense Practice is the primary public defender in New York City, providing holistic, client-centered representation to over 200,000 people facing misdemeanor, felony, and homicide charges. Internships are available throughout CDP's units, including the trial offices. Applicants can also choose among the special practice offices, including the Criminal Appeals Bureau (CAB) and the Criminal Appeals Bureau “Domestic Violence Survivors Justice Act (DVSJA/CAB). CAB assists indigent defendant-appellants challenging their convictions on direct appeal, as well as providing a variety of other post-conviction services. Appellate Interns are primarily responsible for drafting sentence reduction briefs following felony guilty pleas, as well as briefs challenging appeal waivers, SORA (sex offender registration act) risk level determinations and/or briefs challenging the sufficiency of misdemeanor accusatory instruments. There will also be opportunities to observe appellate arguments and trial court SORA hearings and engage in other aspects of the office’s practice. The recently enacted Domestic Violence Survivors Justice Act (“DVSJA”), Criminal Procedure Law § 440.47, enables survivors of domestic violence who meet certain criteria to apply for a reduction in their prison sentences. Working with CAB supervisors, staff attorneys, mitigation specialists, and paralegals, the DVSJA 2L Intern will support CAB’s DVSJA work to investigate, file, and litigate resentencing motions.
Requirements
- Current law school student in good standing – 2Ls and 3Ls
- Demonstrated commitment or interest to indigent defense
- Demonstrated commitment and interest in serving racially and socioeconomically oppressed communities
- Ability to work collegially and collaboratively with all members of the staff
- Ability to manage multiple tasks, deadlines, and think critically
Nice To Haves
- Relevant clinical program or work experience is preferred, but not required
Responsibilities
- Drafting motions, conducting legal research, and assisting with investigations
- Assisting with client interviews, reviewing and organizing discovery
- Other duties as assigned
Benefits
- $1,000 stipend from the Howard Rossbach fund for eligible interns
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What This Job Offers
Career Level
Intern
Education Level
No Education Listed
