The Summer Legal Internship Program with the Office of the State Public Defender (OPD), Region 9, offers current law students a highly rewarding internship program that exposes interns to every aspect of public defense. Primarily, interns spend time practicing and developing their litigation skills. They research and write motions, interview clients and witnesses, conduct investigations, review discovery and case files, draft appellate briefs, and assist attorneys in preparing for and conducting trials. Additionally, law students who are eligible to practice under the Montana Student Practice Rule have the opportunity to argue motions, conduct hearings, and chair trials under the supervision of an experienced public defender.
Law interns also have the opportunity to enhance their knowledge of the broader criminal legal system. Our interns are invited to attend all in-house training programs and continuing legal education sessions. Dependent on COVID-19 restrictions, we hope to schedule multiple field trips. They may include tours of the Montana Women’s Prison, the Yellowstone County Detention Facility, the Yellowstone County Youth Services Center, the Department of Justice’s Forensic Science Division (State Crime Lab), and the Pine Hills Correctional Facility.
Law interns work out of our office in downtown Billings. We will only consider applicants who indicate in their Cover Letter an interest in working in the Billings office. Summer law interns are expected to work 30-40 hours per week during the 10-week summer program. The program is scheduled from May 24 to July 30 but can be adjusted to accommodate academic calendars. Internships are unpaid, though we will gladly provide any supporting documentation required of students seeking credit or external funding.
Our Summer Legal Internship Program is designed for a select group of law students who have a passion for defending the civil liberties of low-income clients, are interested in courtroom advocacy, possess strong research and writing skills, have an outstanding work ethic, and display characteristics of promising future public defenders. To be eligible, all applicants must be enrolled in an ABA-approved J.D. program. Successful candidates seeking student practice must also have completed at least two-thirds of the total hours required for graduation, be certified by the Dean of their law school, and be familiar with the Montana Code of Professional Conduct. OPD will assist successful candidates in seeking student practice when eligible.
To apply, you should submit an application cover sheet, a one-page resume, a cover letter, a list of at least three references with contact information, and a writing sample of no more than ten pages. Cover letters should detail your reason for seeking an internship with OPD, your interest in working in Billings, your interest in public defense, and any previous experience in public interest or criminal defense. Ideally, references should include at least one legal writing professor or other person familiar with your legal research and writing skills. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis until positions are filled. You are encouraged to submit your application by February 28, 2021.
If not applying through a law school career portal, your application should be sent, in a single email, to Mx. Chanan Brown at [email protected] with “2021 Summer Legal Internship Program - [Candidate Name] Application” in the subject line.
If you have any questions about the summer experience, internship logistics, or the application process, please contact Chanan Brown at [email protected] or (406) 896-4976.
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