About the role#
This internship provides law students with experience mirroring the daily practice of a criminal defense attorney. After an initial orientation to New York County criminal practice, interns are paired with staff attorneys for the duration of the summer. This is a 10-week, unpaid, full-time program.
What you'll do#
Interns engage in the full scope of public defense work. Responsibilities include:
- Legal research and drafting motions
- Conducting client, witness, and precinct interviews
- Assisting with investigations
- Visiting clients in jails and juvenile detention facilities
- Providing support for hearings and trials
- Making court appearances on the record
What you'll need#
We seek students who are committed to criminal defense and social justice. You should bring energy, enthusiasm, and an unwavering commitment to our clients. You must be a current law student to apply. To be considered, you must submit both a resume and a cover letter.
Location & details#
This role is based in New York and follows a hybrid work model. The program runs from the first week of June through the first week of August 2027. Interns will work from our court offices and our Harlem office.
About Neighborhood Defender Service
Neighborhood Defender Service provides public defense services through a community-based model. Founded in 1990 in Harlem, the organization employs a team of attorneys, social workers, and investigators to address legal and social issues for its clients. It operates offices in New York and Detroit. The practice covers criminal, civil, family, immigration, and housing law.
How to get in at Neighborhood Defender Service
Applying early to Neighborhood Defender Service gives you a distinct advantage because recruiters review applications as they arrive. Intern Insider sends an instant alert the moment a role is published, so you can submit your materials before the applicant pool grows large. This ensures your application is among the first seen by the team. Reaching out to the right person often yields better results than submitting to a general portal. Intern Insider surfaces the recruiters behind the roles at Neighborhood Defender Service, allowing you to contact them directly to ask about the position or a referral. This approach improves your response rates and helps you stand out from the crowd.
