Information for Appellate Intern Applicants (Summer 2027):
Appellate intern and responsibilities:
The purpose of the summer appellate internship is to provide students interested in indigent defense with the opportunity to gain federal appellate experience. Appellate interns will spend their summer focused on a specific federal criminal appeal—from reviewing the record, to identifying issues for appeal, to drafting portions of the opening brief—under the close supervision of an experienced appellate attorney. Interns may also have the opportunity to work on smaller research assignments, observe district court proceedings, participate in moots, and attend oral argument.
Appellate intern qualifications and requirements:
The ideal candidate will have a strong interest in indigent defense and appellate practice. Candidates must be current law students who will have completed at least one year of law school before the start of the internship. Summer interns are expected to work 40 hours per week in either five-to-six week blocks (for those who split their summer internships) or 10-to-12 week blocks.
How to apply for the appellate internship:
Applications should be sent to Katie Shen via e-mail to employment@cofpd.org with the subject line “Summer Appellate Internship.” Please submit a cover letter, resume (with up to three references), writing sample, and law school transcript. The cover letter should explain why the applicant is interested in indigent defense and/or appellate practice. The writing sample should demonstrate the applicant’s legal analytical ability—e.g., a brief or memorandum written for a legal research and writing class. Selected applicants will be contacted to schedule a remote interview.
Application timeline:
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis after October 15, 2025. Interested applicants are encouraged to apply at their earliest convenience.
No phone calls please. The Federal Public Defender is an equal opportunity employer.
Important notes for all Applicants:
All applicants must be a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident seeking U.S. citizenship. Acceptance is contingent upon successful completion of a background investigation and an Application for Judicial Employment (AO-78). Interns are subject to the Federal Public Defender Code of Conduct.