About the role#
The Defender Association of Philadelphia offers a summer internship program within the Child Advocacy Unit. This unit provides legal representation for dependent children up to 21 years of age in matters involving abuse, neglect, abandonment, truancy, and adoption. You will work alongside a multidisciplinary team of attorneys and social workers to assess the needs of each child and make recommendations to the court.
What you'll do#
Interns work directly with supervising attorneys and social workers on specific cases. You will participate in training and receive individualized supervision and mentoring. Your responsibilities include:
- Legal research and case management
- Court observation
- Client interviewing and home or placement visits
- Crisis intervention and negotiation
- Direct advocacy
What you'll need#
- Current law student status, specifically 2Ls and rising 3Ls
- Commitment to children’s issues and juvenile justice
- Interest in serving racially and socioeconomically oppressed communities
- Ability to work effectively with children, adolescents, and families
- Ability to function in a high-volume practice
- Relevant clinical or work experience is preferred
Location & details#
- Location: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Term: Summer 2027 (end of May through August)
- Modality: On-site
- Status: Full-time and paid
About Defender Association of Philadelphia
The Defender Association of Philadelphia is a nonprofit law firm that provides legal representation to adults and juveniles. Founded in 1934, the organization operates out of Philadelphia and employs 579 staff members. Its teams include attorneys, social workers, investigators, and paralegals who manage criminal, delinquency, and neglect cases. The firm focuses on connecting clients with social services and advocating for fair outcomes within the justice system.
How to get in at Defender Association of Philadelphia
Securing an internship at the Defender Association of Philadelphia requires staying ahead of the application volume. Because this firm manages high-stakes criminal and delinquency cases, they prioritize candidates who demonstrate a clear commitment to public defense. Intern Insider sends an instant alert the moment a role matching your target is published anywhere, so you apply among the first, as early applicants get seen before the pile grows. You should aim to be in that first wave of interest. Beyond the initial application, you can improve your odds by connecting with the right people. Intern Insider surfaces the recruiters behind the company's roles so you can reach out directly to ask about the role or a referral, which materially improves response rates. A brief, professional inquiry to a recruiter can help you stand out in a competitive field.
