About the role#
Neighborhood Defender Service is hiring a Summer Law Intern for our Detroit office. You will join our team to provide holistic public defense to residents of Wayne County. This is a full-time, paid position for the summer of 2027. You will work directly with lawyers, social workers, and investigators to represent clients facing felony charges.
What you'll do#
- Conduct legal research and draft documents such as memorandums, briefs, and mitigation work.
- Review discovery and case files.
- Shadow attorneys during court proceedings, investigations, and client meetings.
- Handle court hearings and client interviews under supervision.
- Participate in office events and training sessions.
What you'll need#
- Current enrollment in good standing at an ABA accredited law school with at least one year completed. Rising 3Ls are strongly encouraged to apply.
- A self-motivated and dedicated approach to your work.
- Interest in criminal and racial justice issues.
- Preference is given to candidates with previous criminal defense or criminal justice experience.
- Bilingual skills in Spanish or Arabic are a plus.
Location & details#
- This internship is based on-site in Detroit, Michigan.
- The term is for Summer 2027.
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.
