Public defender 1L internship Forum

[ballonem]

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[cavalier1138]

Hiring is competitive, and my understanding is that you need to apply yesterday. I know that Bronx Defenders is doing a large chunk of their interviewing today and tomorrow. Brooklyn Defenders may have already filled a bunch of positions. I'm not sure of the schedule for New Orleans or San Francisco, but the more competitive offices are always going to fill up earlier in the cycle.

Also, you should consider Alaska. I know a lot of career PDs who intern there their first year, because they actually let summer interns do serious work.

[GreenEggs]

Apply now. BxD and OPD are typically done with hiring 1L summers after a career fair that happens today and tomorrow

I know SF still has some open spots so apply there

[GreenEggs]

Brooklyn Defenders may have already filled a bunch of positions. .

For whatever reason, they seem to only be hiring 1L summers in family defense practice

[ballonem]

Thanks for the replies--I sent all of my apps out today, so we'll see what happens.

Have any of you heard good things about these offices? And are PD offices known for hiring 1L interns?

[cavalier1138]

Thanks for the replies--I sent all of my apps out today, so we'll see what happens.

Have any of you heard good things about these offices? And are PD offices known for hiring 1L interns?

Yes, all those places are known as top PD offices, and they are very difficult places to get hired. In terms of 1L summer, my understanding is that PDs prioritize 2Ls and then fill any remaining spots with 1L applicants, so it can vary from year to year. But they do take on 1Ls every year, as far as I know.

[ballonem]

Thanks for the replies--I sent all of my apps out today, so we'll see what happens.

Have any of you heard good things about these offices? And are PD offices known for hiring 1L interns?

Yes, all those places are known as top PD offices, and they are very difficult places to get hired. In terms of 1L summer, my understanding is that PDs prioritize 2Ls and then fill any remaining spots with 1L applicants, so it can vary from year to year. But they do take on 1Ls every year, as far as I know.

Thanks! I should have phrased my second question better--I meant, if you secure an internship 1L with one of those offices, how often does that lead to a permanent job offer?

[CanadianWolf]

Funding is often a factor that dictates whether or not & how many offers are made.

Usually, demonstrated interest & foreign language proficiency will get one's resume strong consideration.

[cavalier1138]

Thanks! I should have phrased my second question better--I meant, if you secure an internship 1L with one of those offices, how often does that lead to a permanent job offer?

Oh, it has very little to do with it.

As mentioned, funding dictates most permanent job offers. These offices aren't big law firms. They can't afford to give you an offer of future employment when their funding is provided at the whims of the legislature. But if your concern is working with one of these offices long-term, you should not pin all of your hopes on 1L summer.

[CanadianWolf]

OP: I just reread your original post in this thread.

Do you have any foreign language ability ?

Any demonstrated interest in public defender/criminal defense work ?

Which PD offices/organizations are considered to be the best in the country ?

Also, are you willing to work for free during your 1L externship ?

PD hiring is very competitive.

[Borhas]

You should also look into San Diego County PD, Colorado State PD, and Alameda County PD

Colorado may have one of the healthiest PD systems in the country, they hire many people every year, and interns have a much better chance at getting hired

Frankly, I wouldn't bother with SF's office. They are very competitive, and rarely hire fresh graduates. Even if you do great and they want you for 2L summer you still probably won't get a job with them.

If you have taken evidence in 1L or will take it in 1L summer, some offices will let you conduct evidentiary hearings. I took evidence 1L summer while I was interning with San Diego and I was able to do some hearings. That gave me a leg up in 2L summer internships. And now I'm a colorado state PD.

[CanadianWolf]

Colorado has a statewide system that is regarded as the best in the nation.

If fluent or proficient in Spanish, you'll get more offers than you ever imagined in just about any location--but especially NYC & Colorado.

[crescentstars]

I'm also a 1L planning to do PD work this summer -- has anyone heard anything about King County OPD (Seattle)? Any thoughts about the offices/divisions? I got the sense that they're a really good place for training and that they're good for 1Ls, but I can't find much info on TLS from after the restructuring a few years back.