Internship - Special Projects Unit - Spring 2027

Committee for Public Counsel•Boston, MA

About The Position

The Special Projects Unit (SPU) is part of the Private Counsel Division Criminal Appeals Unit. This unit assigns cases to criminal post-conviction clients when there have been developments in the law that have a widespread impact on CPCS post-conviction clients and may provide grounds for vacating a conviction. The SPU notifies clients and attorneys about these developments and, in some cases, litigates these issues. Interns assist the SPU on post-conviction case investigation by reviewing case files and court dockets. In the Spring, 2026, interns will primarily aid attorneys in preparation for an anticipated evidentiary hearing relating to forensic testing performed at the now shuttered Hinton Drug Lab. In addition, interns will also research state and federal constitutional issues relating to other post-conviction litigation and participate in the preparation of arguments to be presented to the appellate courts. They may also field questions from attorneys and others regarding SPU litigation. Interns are encouraged to attend court to observe motions and arguments in the appellate courts as well as hearings and trials in the trial court. Our office is committed to preparing students to be excellent public defenders. All interns will participate in trainings focused on the Massachusetts criminal court system and appellate practice. Our office is easily accessible via public transportation, so students are not required to have a car.

Requirements

Must be enrolled in law school
Completed their first year of law school by the start of their internship

Nice To Haves

Students who have taken classes in evidence, criminal law, criminal procedure, constitutional law, critical legal theory, and/or trial advocacy
Students with experience working with low-income clients, people of color, immigrants, LGBT people, and other underrepresented groups
Students who speak a foreign language