Criminal Defense Practice Legal Intern, 2L - Fall 2026
About the role
The Legal Aid Society, the nation's oldest and largest social justice legal services organization, has Fall 2026 Legal Internships for the Criminal Defense Practice throughout the city. The Criminal Defense Practice is the primary public defender in New York City, providing holistic, client-centered representation to over 200,000 people facing misdemeanor, felony, and homicide charges.
Responsibilities
- Drafting motions
- Conducting legal research
- Assisting with investigations
- Assisting with client interviews
- Reviewing and organizing discovery
- Other duties as assigned
Requirements
- Current 2L law school student in good standing
- Relevant clinical program or work experience is preferred, but not required
- Demonstrated commitment or interest to indigent defense
- Demonstrated commitment and interest in serving racially and socioeconomically oppressed communities
- Ability to work collegially and collaboratively with all members of the staff
- Ability to manage multiple tasks, meet deadlines, and think critically
Qualifications
- Rising second-year law student (2L) in good academic standing at the time of application
- Must be enrolled as a law student at any accredited institution
- Must ultimately be accepted to participate in an internship program at LAS
- Must demonstrate financial need
- Lack funding for their internship
Skills
Not specified
Benefits
Interns may be eligible for financial assistance, public interest funding, or academic credit through their law school. These internships may also qualify for pro bono credit. Additionally, interns may apply for the Howard Rossbach and Mary Boresz Pike Stipend administered by the Legal Aid Society.
Pay
This role has no salary. Stipends & Benefits
Schedule
Not specified