San Francisco Public Defender

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Application

Overview: The Office’s nationally recognized program is designed to give students not just an understanding of the criminal justice system, but hands-on experience with representing clients. Interns are assigned to work with a staff attorney, writing motions, meeting clients, attending case conferences, reviewing investigation results, and attending consultations with experts. Students certified to practice law may also be given the opportunity to argue motions on behalf of clients in court.

We are looking for students who are committed to indigent criminal defense.  Students with a general interest in criminal law or who view being a prosecutor as a possible career choice should not apply. We are looking for students with a passion for working for the underprivileged, the marginalized, and the forgotten in society. We want students with strong written and oral communication skills – who are willing to think like advocates and fight for our clients.

General Information: Internships are offered during the Summer, Fall, and Winter/Spring semesters. We have opportunities for applicants interested in working with our adult clients at our downtown office.  There are also limited number of positions available in our juvenile office. All internships are unpaid. The cost of travel, living expenses, insurance and accommodations are the responsibility of the intern. The Office cannot accept responsibility for costs arising from accidents or illness incurred during the internship.

Interns may receive academic credit if an agreement is made between the Public Defender’s Office and the intern’s college or university. Work-study is offered only if the Office portion is covered by the school.

Upon acceptance, interns will attend an Orientation prior to their start date. Most interns bring their own laptop computer, but we also have a computer lab for interns to use.

Application Procedure: Candidates must submit an online application form, providing 3 references and a 500 word statement of motivation. A resume and cover letter must also be attached. All application items must be submitted as a complete package. Incomplete applications will not be reviewed. Applications are only accepted electronically and through the online application form. We do not accept applications by mail or via email.

Students will receive a confirmation email after they’ve electronically submitted their application. Upon review of the applications, students considered for a position shall be offered a phone or in-person interview. After interviews, emails will be sent to the students accepted into the program.

Applications are reviewed as soon as they are submitted. All students will be notified via email on the outcome of their application as soon as a decision has been made. All interviews will be completed by two weeks after the close of applications. Students should notify the recruitment director if an application is withdrawn or if they accept an offer at another organization.

Deadlines & Requirements: Applicants must be a law school student or a recent law school graduate. Applications must be submitted by the deadline date (See Chart). Students must be willing to work the minimum number of hours and duration specified by their internship season.  (See Chart).  No split summers will be accommodated starting Summer 2012. Students may not participate in the internship program for shorter periods of time. Students must be able to start by the Start date (See Chart). Students must attend an IT orientation on or before their start date (See Chart). Students are not permitted to start prior to attending an orientation.

*Calendar has been moved to the top of the page.

Students must submit information for a background check for jail clearance. Jail clearance is required to conduct in-custody jail interviews. Negative results of a background check will not necessarily deter employment.

Although interns are not considered staff members of the Public Defenders office. Interns must comply with all rules and policies applied to staff.  Interns must keep confidential any information obtained at during the course of the internship program. This obligation continues beyond the period of the internship.

At the end of the internship, the intern is expected to complete an evaluation questionnaire on his or her assignment and submit it to the Recruitment Director.

San Francisco Public Defender is an equal employment opportunity employer. Discrimination because of race, color, religion, sex, handicap, sexual orientation or national origin is prohibited.

Post-Acceptance Registration

Interns who have been offered a position and accepted the offer will be emailed a password to access the Internship Registration page. The password will be sent two weeks before the start of the internship season and may not be shared with anyone. Interns must follow the instructions and fulfill the requirements contained in the Internship Registration page by the deadline communicated on the page.