About the role#
ArchCity Defenders offers a summer internship for those interested in criminal and municipal defense. You will work as part of an interdisciplinary team to support our mission of providing holistic legal advocacy. This role involves direct engagement with our legal teams and requires a commitment to racial and economic justice. You will work alongside staff to support our clients and the broader community.
What you'll do#
- Perform fact and legal research to support our claims and issues.
- Draft memos, motions, pleadings, and other legal documents.
- Assist with discovery and investigation tasks.
- Interview and communicate with clients or class members.
- Attend court proceedings with staff attorneys.
- Coordinate with attorneys and staff to support organizational goals.
What you'll need#
- Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
- Strong legal research and writing abilities.
- A detail-oriented approach to your work.
- High capacity for problem solving and the ability to work independently.
- Flexibility to respond to changing needs.
- A commitment to racial and economic justice and systems change.
- Cultural awareness and sensitivity toward diverse populations.
Location & details#
- Location: St. Louis, Missouri.
- Term: Summer 2027 (June 1 to July 30).
- Modality: On-site at our North St. Louis City office.
- Schedule: Full-time. Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Friday, 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.
- Compensation: This is a paid position with a stipend of up to $4,200 available for those without outside funding.
- Requirements: Mandatory in-person orientation from June 1 to June 4, 2027. Interns may not engage in other internships simultaneously.
About ArchCity Defenders
ArchCity Defenders is a legal advocacy organization based in St. Louis, Missouri. Founded in 2009, the group provides civil and criminal legal representation alongside social services. It focuses on addressing the criminalization of poverty and state violence in communities of color. The organization employs a holistic model that integrates legal work with policy and media advocacy.
How to get in at ArchCity Defenders
Applying to ArchCity Defenders requires a clear understanding of their focus on civil rights and systemic advocacy. Because roles in public interest law are competitive, Intern Insider sends an instant alert the moment a position is published so you can apply among the first. Getting your application in early ensures your materials are reviewed before the volume of candidates grows too large. You can also use Intern Insider to surface the recruiters behind these roles to reach out directly. Asking a thoughtful question about the organization or requesting a referral often improves your response rate compared to submitting a cold application through a general queue.
