Internship - PDD Malden - Spring 2027

Committee for Public Counsel • Malden, MA

1d • Onsite

About The Position

The Public Defender Division, Malden Office is seeking students for internship positions. We fight for equal justice and human dignity by supporting our clients in achieving their legal and life goals. We zealously advocate for the rights of individuals and promote just public policy to protect the rights of all. CPCS is the state agency in Massachusetts responsible for providing an attorney when the state or federal constitution or a state statute requires the appointment of an attorney for a person who cannot afford to retain one. The agency provides representation in criminal, delinquency, youthful offender, child welfare, guardianship, mental health, sexually dangerous person, and sex offender registry cases, as well as in appeals and post-conviction and post-judgment proceedings related to those matters. The Malden Trial Office defends people accused of misdemeanors and felonies in Superior and District Courts in Middlesex County. Student legal interns are an integral part of our office and work closely with our team of dedicated attorneys, social service advocates, and investigators. Interns qualified to appear in court under SJC Rule 3:03 will represent clients at arraignments, bail appeals, and pretrial motions, all under the close supervision of experienced attorneys. Out-of-court work includes legal research and writing, case investigation, client meetings, and assisting attorneys with the preparation of trials. Interns are also encouraged to attend court as often as they would like to observe. An internship in this office includes working closely with a group of experienced, dedicated, and passionate attorneys, all of whom are committed to helping to prepare interns to be excellent public defenders. Our attorneys are always grateful for intern assistance and input, and recognize that our interns’ work can be an integral part of a successful defense for our clients. All interns begin their internship by participating in training focused on client advocacy skills and Massachusetts criminal practice. Interns are also welcome to attend all office trainings and brainstorm sessions. We are currently working in-person, and interns will be able and expected to work on-site at our office and/or our courts most days. Our office and all of our courts are easily accessible via public transportation, so interns are not required to have access to a car.

Requirements

• All students who will have completed their first year of law school by the start of their internship are eligible to apply.
• Students who have successfully completed or are enrolled in an evidence or trial practice class, with the written approval by their dean, may represent clients under the supervision of a staff public defender in court per SJC Rule 3:03.
• Resume
• Cover letter
• Writing sample

Nice To Haves

• Course work 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
• Students who have successfully completed or are enrolled in an evidence or trial practice class, with the written approval by their dean, may represent clients under the supervision of a staff public defender in court per SJC Rule 3:03.
• Note that students who will not be eligible for 3:03 certification are also encouraged to apply!

Responsibilities

• Representing clients at arraignment and arguing for their release from imprisonment (if 3:03 certified)
• Representing clients at pretrial hearings, including hearings on motions to dismiss (if 3:03 certified)
• Meeting with and interviewing clients in the office and at various prisons, jails and hospitals
• Conducting legal research
• Drafting pretrial motions and legal memoranda
• Assisting attorneys to prepare for motions and trials
• Investigating cases, including visiting the locations of alleged offenses and interviewing witnesses

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Intern
• Education Level: No Education Listed