Internship Spring 2027 - PDD New Bedford

Committee for Public Counsel • New Bedford, MA

3d

About The Position

The Committee for Public Counsel Services (CPCS), the Massachusetts public defender agency, is seeking law student interns for the Spring 2027 semester in its New Bedford Public Defender Division office. The office represents adults accused of felony and misdemeanor offenses, as well as low-income clients facing civil commitment based on mental illness or substance use.

Interns gain a variety of legal experiences and assignments under the supervision of veteran attorneys. They work closely with lawyers, social workers, investigators, and community partners to provide defense representation to indigent clients facing criminal charges in District and Superior Courts. Interns learn about holistic and vertical representation and may work on different stages of cases, from arraignment through conclusion. They may also identify goals for the experience they hope to gain during the internship.

CPCS is committed to protecting clients’ constitutional and human rights through zealous advocacy, community-oriented defense, and excellent legal representation. Its stated values are courage, accountability, respect, and excellence. The agency emphasizes cultural competence, diversity, equity, inclusion, respectful professional relationships, and the dignity and well-being of staff and clients.

Requirements

• Be a law student.
• Have successfully completed or be enrolled in an evidence or trial practice class, with written approval from the law student’s Dean, to represent clients in court under staff public defender supervision pursuant to SJC Rule 3:03.
• Agree to keep confidential all information involving client representation and work performed on behalf of clients.

Nice To Haves

• Coursework in evidence, criminal law, constitutional law, critical legal theory, and/or trial advocacy.
• SJC Rule 3.03 certification.

Responsibilities

• Work directly with attorneys, investigators, and social service advocates.
• Conduct client interviews.
• Participate in arraignment and bail arguments.
• Perform legal research.
• Draft pretrial motions, affidavits, and legal memoranda.
• Conduct pretrial investigations, including visiting locations of alleged crimes and interviewing witnesses.
• Argue pretrial motions.
• Maintain confidentiality of all information involving client representation and work performed on behalf of clients.

What This Job Offers

• Career Level: Intern
• Education Level: No Education Listed