Legal Intern - Spring 2027

About the Harris County Public Defender’s Office: The Harris County Public Defender’s Office is dedicated to providing high-quality, holistic, client-centered legal representation to indigent individuals accused of crimes in Harris County. Our office works to ensure fairness and justice in the criminal legal system through zealous advocacy and compassionate representation.

Position Overview: The Harris County Public Defender's Office (HCPDO) offers law students and recent law school graduates the opportunity to gain meaningful, hands-on experience representing indigent clients in one of the largest and busiest criminal court systems in the country. Legal interns are integrated into interdisciplinary defense teams and work directly with attorneys on active criminal cases. Interns contribute to case preparation, legal research, client advocacy, and trial strategy while learning the day-to-day practice of client-centered public defense.

Through mentorship, courtroom exposure, and close supervision by experienced public defenders, interns gain practical skills that prepare them for careers in criminal defense and public interest law. Spring internships are designed to provide practical legal experience during the academic semester. Responsibilities will vary based on the intern’s division assignment, schedule, experience, and the needs of the office.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Responsibilities vary depending on division assignment and the stage of a case but may include: Conduct legal research and draft motions, memoranda, and other legal documents. Assist attorneys with case preparation, investigation, and trial strategy. Observe hearings, trials, and daily court proceedings. Review discovery, police reports, court records, and other case materials. Participate in client interviews in both office and custodial settings. Support factual investigation and case development. Attend division meetings, case discussions, and other programming relevant to the intern's assignment. Work collaboratively with attorneys and interdisciplinary team members, including investigators, social workers, mitigation specialists, and client relations coordinators.

Harris County is an Equal Opportunity Employer https://hrrm.harriscountytx.gov/Pages/EqualEmploymentOpportunityPlan.aspx If you need special services or accommodations, please call (713) 274-5445 or email [email protected] .

This position is subject to a criminal history check. Only relevant convictions will be considered and, even when considered, may not automatically disqualify the candidate.

Required Supporting Documents:

Applicants must submit:

Resume

Law school transcript (official or unofficial)

Writing sample or personal statement (maximum four (4) pages)

List of three (3) references, including:

Two (2) legal and/or professional references

One (1) personal (non-legal) reference

Incomplete applications may not be considered.

Education:

Applicants must: Be currently enrolled in an ABA-accredited law school or be a recent graduate of an ABA-accredited law school.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Demonstrate strong research, writing, and analytical skills. Possess excellent interpersonal and communication skills. Be able to maintain confidentiality and exercise sound professional judgment. Be able to work collaboratively in a fast-paced, client-centered environment. Applicants should demonstrate a strong interest in criminal defense, public interest law, or indigent defense.

NOTE : Qualifying education, experience, knowledge, and skills must be documented on your job application. You may attach a resume to the application as supporting documentation but ONLY information stated on the application will be used for consideration. "See Resume" will not be accepted for qualifications.

Preference may be given to applicants who: Are 2L or 3L law students (strong 1L applicants are encouraged to apply). Have prior legal, clinical, externship, or public interest experience. Demonstrate a commitment to client-centered representation and serving individuals impacted by the criminal legal system. Position Type and Typical Hours of Work:

Internship Hours will be discussed during departmental interview. Desired Start Date – End Date: 1/19/27 - 4/16/27

Salary: This internship is unpaid. Many students receive academic credit or funding through their law school, externship program, or public interest fellowship. HCPDO is happy to provide any documentation needed to support funding or academic credit after an applicant has been selected.

Questions regarding the application process may be directed to [email protected].

Employment may be contingent on passing a drug screen and meeting other standards.

Due to a high volume of applications positions may close prior to the advertised closing date or at the discretion of the Hiring Department.