Summer 2026 Internship, Criminal Defense Practice

Neighborhood Defender Service IncNew York, NY
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About The Position

The Neighborhood Defender Service of Harlem (NDS) is a community-based, client-centered, holistic public defense office providing free legal representation to residents of Northern Manhattan. In contrast to a traditional public defense practice, NDS clients have an entire team fighting on their behalf, including criminal and civil attorneys, family defense attorneys, advocates, social workers, investigators, paralegals, law school and social work interns, and pro bono attorneys. NDS deploys all of these resources on behalf of our clients, addressing the underlying issues that bring them into contact with the criminal legal system. NDS staff use their engagement with a client as an opportunity to disentangle them from the system completely. This approach allows defense to extend well beyond the courtroom, with robust social services and comprehensive teams meant to protect our clients from the damages of criminal legal proceedings. When clients face consequences with employment, schooling, immigration or in family or housing court, NDS works alongside them to resolve these issues.

Requirements

  • Law student interns with a demonstrated commitment to criminal defense and social justice issues.
  • Energy, enthusiasm, and an unwavering commitment to clients.

Responsibilities

  • Provide the intern with an experience as close to the actual practice of an NDS criminal defense attorney as possible.
  • Participate in a week of orientation to NDS and New York County criminal practice.
  • Work with attorneys throughout the summer.
  • Conduct legal research and writing.
  • Attend court appearances.
  • Conduct client interviews.
  • Visit precincts.
  • Assist in witness interviews.
  • Provide investigation assistance.
  • Visit clients at jails and juvenile detention facilities.
  • Participate in various activities undertaken by NDS staff on behalf of clients.
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