Spring 2027 Volunteer Legal Internship

About NJOPD

NJOPD is committed to safeguarding constitutional rights by providing the highest quality legal representation across New Jersey. We represent individuals across in a wide range of legal matters including criminal, youth defense, child welfare, and involuntary commitment. Our team of attorneys, investigators, and other professionals provides exceptional courtroom advocacy, with a holistic, client-centered approach.

 The NJOPD Legal Internship Program offers law students the chance to engage directly in meaningful legal work, providing them with tools to develop their professional skills while deepening their understanding of the complex legal system. All participants work closely with attorneys, investigators, and staff assisting with tasks that support the agency’s mission of providing the best possible legal representation to the people it serves. 

2Ls and 3Ls who intern/extern with NJOPD experience first-hand what it is like to be a public defender and gain practical, real-world experiences assisting attorneys and staff with case preparation, litigation, and ongoing and/or systemic projects related to the representation of NJOPD clients.

Example of Duties:

 

• 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
• Participating in training programs

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

Regular and predictable physical presence at the worksite is an essential function of this position. Internships are available in offices throughout New Jersey.

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.

Police Accountability Unit – Provides expertise and support in cases involving police misconduct, including developing systems to track related issues in NJOPD cases.

            Qualifications:  Applicants must be in their second or third year of an accredited law school (2Ls or 3Ls, or the equivalent in 
             a part-time J.D. Program) at the time of the internship.

How to Apply: All applicants are required to complete the online application process fully and as instructed. All applicants must attach the following required documents: cover letter, resume, writing sample, and unofficial transcript. Please answer all required supplementary questions for ideal placement to one of NJOPD practice areas and county/office locations. Only applicants that follow the application instructions and submit completed applications will be considered.

Please check with your school regarding receiving credit, stipend, or payment for internship work experience.

Applications will be considered on a rolling basis.