The Federal Public Defender for the Western District of Pennsylvania offers a structured 10-week summer internship program for second-year law students and exceptional first-year law students and undergraduates who possess excellent research and writing skills and demonstrate an interest in federal public defense and/or capital habeas litigation. Interns with our office can expect to gain valuable experience in client-centered representation and relations, procedural and substantive criminal law, courtroom advocacy, and investigation. Every intern works with an assigned mentor to allow for a well-rounded and meaningful experience. In addition, training and brown bag events are offered throughout the summer on topics including resume-writing, careers in public defense, and legal writing. Intern responsibilities may include legal research, drafting motions and memoranda, reviewing records, factual and mitigation investigation, and observing court proceedings.
Our office also offers year-round externship opportunities for second and third-year law students. We welcome inquiries and applications from interested students. Applications are considered on a rolling basis.
How to Apply
To apply, please submit a (1) cover letter; (2) resume; (3) short writing sample; (4) complete list of law school classes; (5) current GPA and class ranking; and (6) two references to: paw_employment@fd.org using the subject line “INTERNSHIP”
Successful applicants will be subject to a background fingerprint check as required under the current policy for the Administrative Office of the United States Courts.