Internship Spring 2027 - PDD New Bedford

Committee for Public Counsel Services • New Bedford, MA

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About The Position

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

Interns work under the supervision of experienced attorneys and alongside lawyers, social workers, investigators, and community partners to support indigent clients facing criminal charges in District and Superior Courts. The work may cover the stages of a case from arraignment through conclusion, including investigation, legal research, motion drafting and practice, plea or trial preparation, and mitigation. Interns may identify goals for their placement, such as arguing a motion or producing a writing sample. Eligible law students may represent clients in court under a staff public defender’s supervision in accordance with SJC Rule 3:03, with written approval from their dean.

Interns must keep confidential all information concerning client representation and their work on clients’ behalf. CPCS emphasizes zealous advocacy, community-oriented defense, cultural competence, diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Requirements

• Be a law student.
• Have successfully completed or be enrolled in an evidence or trial practice class to be eligible for court representation under SJC Rule 3:03.
• Obtain written approval from the law student’s dean for court representation under SJC Rule 3:03.
• Agree to keep client representation information and work confidential.

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.
• Interview clients.
• Assist with arraignment and bail arguments.
• Conduct legal research.
• Draft pretrial motions, affidavits, and legal memoranda.
• Conduct pretrial investigations, including visiting alleged crime locations and interviewing witnesses.
• Argue pretrial motions when appropriate.
• Support plea or trial preparation and mitigation work with social workers and community partners.
• Maintain confidentiality of all information involving client representation and work performed for clients.

What This Job Offers

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