2027 Post Conviction Litigation Summer Law Student Intern

Innocence Project • New York, NY

10d • Onsite

About The Position

The Post-Conviction Litigation Department Summer 2027 Law Student Intern will support litigation and direct client representation in a department that represents nearly 200 people wrongfully convicted of crimes around the country. The internship provides hands-on experience working directly with clients and communities impacted by wrongful convictions. Interns will work with supervising attorneys on active post-conviction cases, helping prepare written motions, develop litigation strategy, communicate with courts, prosecutors, and other criminal legal system stakeholders, and prepare for evidentiary hearings. This is an in-person, paid, 10-week internship working 40 hours per week, from June 2, 2027, through August 7, 2027. Compensation is $19.50 per hour. The ideal candidate is passionate about racial justice, eager to learn about post-conviction litigation, a clear communicator, and an excellent legal researcher and writer. Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States; visa sponsorship is not available.

Requirements

• Be a rising 2L or 3L law student.
• Demonstrate interest in indigent defense, racial justice, and innocence work.
• Have strong legal research and persuasive writing skills.
• Be legally authorized to work in the United States; visa sponsorship is not available.
• Use a client-centered approach to legal representation.
• Be able to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment.
• Have excellent analytical and writing skills and the ability to construct cogent arguments.
• Have strong interpersonal and verbal communication skills.
• Commit to practicing inclusion and valuing individuals and respecting differences.
• Demonstrate commitment to public interest and enthusiasm for the Innocence Project's work and social justice.
• Share the Innocence Project's values of accountability, collaboration, empathy and compassion, equity, person-centeredness, quality focus, and self-awareness.

Nice To Haves

• Personal connections to the criminal legal system are strongly encouraged, but are not required.

Responsibilities

• Support the post-conviction litigation docket through legal research, memo writing, and creation of discovery and/or trial transcript digests.
• Assist in writing claims or entire motions for post-conviction DNA testing and/or post-conviction relief.
• Develop investigation plans.
• Communicate with clients and their families.
• Work with supervising attorneys on active post-conviction cases to help prepare written motions, develop litigation strategy, communicate with courts, prosecutors, and other criminal legal system stakeholders, and prepare for evidentiary hearings.

What This Job Offers

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