2027 Summer Honors Internship

Role: Summer Honors Intern

Location: New York City, Lower Manhattan

Hours: 35 hours per week, Monday–Friday, 9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.

Duration: 10 weeks (2027 dates to be confirmed)

Compensation: See Compensation section

ABOUT THE OFFICE OF THE APPELLATE DEFENDER (OAD):

OAD is the second oldest institutional provider of appellate representation in New York City. For 38 years, OAD has stood as a beacon of hope for people at the intersection of poverty and injustice. Our clients have been convicted of felony offenses in Manhattan and/or the Bronx and have been sentenced to terms of imprisonment and post-release supervision. Despite the circumstances of our clients’ offenses, convictions, and sentences, we believe in the humanity and dignity of every human being which informs our client-centered, trauma-informed advocacy. We are a beloved community of colleagues who are dedicated to public defense, access to justice, and racial equity.

ABOUT THE POSITION:

The Summer Honors Internship Program provides current law students with an opportunity to gain hands-on experience in appellate criminal defense, post-conviction advocacy, and the pursuit of justice for individuals impacted by the criminal legal system.

Working under the supervision of experienced attorneys, Summer Honors Interns will contribute to meaningful legal work while developing their research, writing, investigation, and advocacy skills.

Interns will be assigned to one of two practice areas: Direct Appeals or the Reinvestigation Project. Assignments will be based on organizational needs and the applicant's interests and qualifications.

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES:

Direct Appeals

Interns assigned to Direct Appeals will:

• Review appellate records, identify potential legal issues, and assist in developing case theories under attorney supervision.
• Conduct legal research on substantive and procedural issues involving criminal law and appellate practice.
• Assist in drafting legal memoranda, briefs, and other appellate documents.
• Collaborate with supervising attorneys to analyze case records and develop legal arguments.
• Participate in case discussions and strategy development.
• Support collateral advocacy efforts when opportunities are available.

Reinvestigation Project

OAD's Reinvestigation Project identifies and investigates potential wrongful convictions, including cases involving questionable eyewitness identification, possible false confessions, unreliable evidence, police or prosecutorial misconduct, and ineffective assistance of counsel.

Interns assigned to the Reinvestigation Project will:

• Review and analyze case materials to identify potential claims of wrongful conviction.
• Assist with witness investigations and fact-gathering activities.
• Conduct legal and factual research related to post-conviction claims.
• Assist attorneys in consulting with experts and evaluating evidence.
• Organize, review, and summarize case records, investigative findings, and supporting documentation.
• Support the research, drafting, and preparation of post-conviction motions and related litigation materials.
• Participate in case discussions and investigative strategy development.

Additional Responsibilities

All Summer Honors Interns are expected to:

• Collaborate with attorneys, staff, and fellow interns in support of OAD's mission.
• Maintain confidentiality and exercise sound judgment when handling sensitive client and case information.
• Demonstrate professionalism, accountability, and respect in interactions with clients, colleagues, and external partners.
• Participate in learning and professional development opportunities offered during the internship.
• Perform other related duties consistent with the internship program and organizational needs.

Responsibilities and assignments may vary based on practice area, case needs, and available opportunities.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Current enrollment in an accredited law school.
• Demonstrated commitment to public service, criminal defense, social justice, and OAD's client population.
• Strong legal research, analytical, and written communication skills.
• Ability to review complex information, identify relevant issues, and communicate findings clearly.
• Ability to manage assignments, meet deadlines, and respond constructively to supervision and feedback.
• Ability to work effectively both independently and collaboratively.
• Commitment to working respectfully and effectively with individuals whose backgrounds, identities, and lived experiences may differ from one's own.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive information with discretion.
• Commitment to embodying OAD's Core Values of Human-Centered practice, Zealous Representation and Advocacy, Respect and Civility, Trust, and Collaboration.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Experience or demonstrated interest in criminal defense, appellate advocacy, wrongful conviction investigations, or post-conviction litigation.
• Participation in moot court, trial advocacy, debate, legal clinics, internships, or other relevant advocacy activities.
• Experience conducting legal research, drafting legal documents, or reviewing complex case materials.
• Familiarity with issues involving racial inequity, mass incarceration, and the criminal legal system.
• Experience working with or advocating for individuals impacted by the criminal legal system.
• Fluency in languages other than English.

Studies have shown that women and people of color are less likely to apply for jobs unless they believe they are able to perform every task in the job description. OAD is most interested in finding the best candidate for the position, and that candidate may be one who comes from a less traditional background. OAD will consider relevant combinations of knowledge, skills, education, and experience in evaluating candidates. We encourage you to think broadly about your background and skill set for this opportunity.

OAD is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. We provide equal employment opportunities without regard to race, creed, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, pregnancy, marital status, age, veteran status, disability, or genetic information.

PROGRAM DURATION:

The Summer Honors Internship Program is a ten-week program. The anticipated start and end dates for the upcoming summer program will be confirmed before recruitment begins.

Students seeking to participate for fewer than ten weeks may be considered with OAD's approval.

COMPENSATION:

OAD believes in compensating interns for their work. As a nonprofit organization with limited resources, OAD strongly encourages students to seek funding through their law school's public interest resources.

Under the previously established internship compensation structure:

• Students who are unable to secure funding through their law school may receive an OAD stipend equivalent to $20 per hour.
• When a student's school funding is less than the total amount OAD would otherwise provide, OAD may pay the difference.
• OAD's contribution will not exceed $7,000.
• Payments will be made biweekly through OAD's regular payroll system and are subject to applicable taxes.

Compensation terms are subject to confirmation for the upcoming internship cycle.

TO APPLY:

To join our community, please submit the following materials through OAD's designated application portal:

• Cover letter
• Resume
• Law school transcript
• Legal writing sample (no more than 10 pages)

Applications without a cover letter will not be considered.

Applicants must submit a cover letter that addresses:

1. Alignment with Mission

Many of the clients served at the Office of the Appellate Defender are people of color from low-income backgrounds. What draws you to work with and support the population we serve, and what experiences or values guide your commitment to this community?

2. Interest in the Internship

Explain your interest in working in Direct Appeals, the Reinvestigation Project, or both, and what you hope to contribute and learn through the Summer Honors Internship Program.

3. Relevant Skills & Experience

Describe the skills, experiences, and perspectives that prepare you to succeed in this internship.

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until positions are filled.

Questions regarding the internship program may be directed to

jobs@oadnyc.org