New Jersey Office of the Public Defender Summer Internship

New Jersey Office of the Public Defender (NJOPD)

NJOPD offers a hands-on experience working with attorneys, investigators, and staff in providing our clients the best possible legal representation. During volunteer internships/externships, students gain real-world experience assisting with investigations, client communication, research and writing, trial preparation and advocacy, as well as excellent training and mentorship opportunities. Opportunities are available year-round and statewide.

About the NJOPD

NJOPD provides first class legal representation to indigent individuals at both the trial and appellate levels. While the majority of our attorneys defend individuals charged with criminal offenses, we also represent  individuals whose children have been removed based on allegations of abuse and neglect (Office of Parental Representation), children who have been removed (Office of Law Guardian), individuals involuntarily committed to State psychiatric facilities (Office of Mental  Health  Advocacy), those who have  been convicted of sex offenses and are facing Megan’s Law tier classification (Special Hearings Unit), and individuals seeking post-conviction relief (Conviction Integrity Unit). Our attorneys also represent clients in Recovery Court and Intensive Supervision Program matters, and as part of our Forensic Science Unit.

Internships for Law Students

2Ls and 3Ls who intern/extern with NJOPD assist attorneys and staff with case preparation, litigation, and ongoing and/or systemic projects related to the representation of NJOPD clients, including by:

• Conducting legal research and analysis
• Drafting motions, briefs, memoranda, and reports
• Assisting with trial preparation
• Participating in client and witness interviews
• Observing and appearing in courtroom proceedings
• Attending training programs

Students who have completed 2 years of law school may appear in court under supervision of NJOPD attorneys

Internships for College and Graduate Students

Internship opportunities are available for college juniors and seniors and graduate students. Investigator interns assist NJOPD investigators, attorneys, and staff with a variety of tasks, including: 

• Locating and interviewing witnesses
• Serving subpoenas
• Researching and gathering information and documents
• Conducting field investigation such as photographing crime scenes and examining evidence
• Drafting reports
• Attending court proceedings and training programs

Graduate students in fields such as social work can apply to intern in the NJOPD'S specialized units, including Recovery Court and Mental Health Advocacy.  The NJOPD also offers internship opportunities for paralegal students.

To Apply

Cover letters should explain: (1) why you are seeking an internship/externship with NJOPD; (2) practice area(s) of interest; (3) geographic preference or limitations; and (4) availability, including anticipated start/end date, number of hours, and schedule.

Our Offices and Practice Areas

Criminal Defense (Trial Offices) – Represents adults and children in all 21 counties charged with criminal and juvenile offenses in New Jersey state courts when the court determines that they cannot afford to hire a private lawyer.

Criminal Defense (Appellate) – Represents individuals on appeal from their criminal convictions or adjudications of delinquency.
 

Conviction Integrity Unit – Represents individuals who file for post-conviction relief after all appeals have been exhausted.
 

Forensic Science Unit – Provides expertise and support in cases involving complex forensic evidence.
 

Immigration Unit – Provides individualized advice to every noncitizen client concerning the potential ramifications of a criminal conviction on their immigration status and assists eligible clients to obtain documentation of legal status.

Intensive Supervision Parole Unit – Helps individuals serve their sentences outside of a traditional prison setting.
 

Parole Revocation Defense Unit – Represents individuals at parole revocation hearings.
 

Recovery Court Unit – Advocates for participants in a substance use treatment-based probation program and assists with expungements for successful graduates
 

Special Litigation Unit – Represents people subject to tier classification under Megan's Law.

Office of Law Guardian (OLG) – Represents children in Family Court when they are the subjects of litigation against their parents and/or guardians concerning alleged abuse and/or neglect or possible termination of parental rights. OLG also has an Appellate Section.

Office of Parental Representation (OPR) – Represents parents and/or guardians in Family Court who are accused of abusing and/or neglecting children and/or who face possible termination of parental rights. OPR also has an Appellate Section.

Division of Mental Health Advocacy – Represents individuals in mental health commitment and placement hearings, guardianship cases, and involuntary commitment proceedings.

Division of Engagement and Research – Combines legislative, data, and communications expertise to inform policy, advocate for systemic reform, and amplify the voices of impacted individuals. This Division focuses on three core areas: Governmental Affairs, Strategic Communications and Public Relations, and Data and Research.