About the role#
ArchCity Defenders is a legal advocacy organization focused on combating the criminalization of poverty and state violence. This internship provides an opportunity to support the Criminal & Municipal Defense team. Interns work as part of an interdisciplinary team to provide direct defense representation for individuals facing criminal and municipal ordinance violation charges across the St. Louis region.
What you'll do#
- Perform fact and legal research to support case development.
- Draft memos, motions, pleadings, and other legal documents.
- Assist with discovery and investigation tasks.
- Interview and communicate with clients.
- Attend court proceedings with staff attorneys.
- Coordinate with staff to support the organizational mission.
What you'll need#
- Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
- Strong legal research and writing abilities.
- A detail-oriented approach to working within a team.
- High capacity for problem-solving and self-direction.
- Ability to work independently while meeting time constraints.
- Flexibility to respond to changing organizational needs.
- A commitment to racial and economic justice and systems change.
- Cultural awareness and sensitivity toward diverse populations.
- An understanding of structures of power, privilege, and oppression.
Location & details#
- This is a paid, part-time position for the Winter 2027 term.
- The role is on-site in St. Louis, Missouri.
- Applicants must be able to commit to a part-time schedule for 8-12 weeks.
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.
