About the role#
The Post-Conviction Litigation Department offers a summer internship for law students to support our direct representation of nearly 200 individuals wrongfully convicted of crimes. You will work alongside supervising attorneys on active cases, gaining hands-on experience with the legal strategies used to challenge wrongful convictions.
What you'll do#
- Conduct legal research and write memos to support the litigation docket.
- Create digests of discovery materials and trial transcripts.
- Assist in drafting claims or motions for post-conviction DNA testing and legal relief.
- Help develop investigation plans for active cases.
- Communicate with clients, their families, court staff, and prosecutors.
- Prepare for evidentiary hearings and contribute to litigation strategy.
What you'll need#
- You are a rising 2L or 3L law student.
- Strong skills in legal research, persuasive writing, and analysis.
- A client-centered approach to legal representation.
- Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a team.
- Excellent interpersonal and verbal communication skills.
- A commitment to inclusion and a demonstrated interest in indigent defense, racial justice, and innocence work.
- Legal authorization to work in the United States.
Location & details#
- This is a full-time, paid internship based in New York, New York.
- The role follows a hybrid work modality.
- The internship runs for 10 weeks, from June 2, 2027, to August 7, 2027.
- Compensation is $19.50 per hour.
About Innocence Project
The Innocence Project is a non-profit legal clinic founded in 1992. Based in New York, the organization employs between 51 and 200 people. It focuses on exonerating wrongfully convicted individuals through DNA testing. The group also advocates for criminal justice system reforms to prevent future injustices.
How to get in at Innocence Project
Securing a position at the Innocence Project requires a proactive approach, as roles in legal non-profits often attract many qualified candidates. 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. Being at the front of the queue is a significant advantage in a competitive field. You can also improve your chances by reaching out to the right people. Intern Insider surfaces the recruiters behind the company roles so you can reach out directly to ask about the role or a referral, which materially improves response rates. Direct outreach shows genuine interest and helps you stand out from the standard applicant pool.
