The Federal Public Defender for the Western District of North Carolina is currently recruiting for qualified and committed interns who reflect the diversity of the community that we serve. We anticipate the program running from May 18 to July 24, 2026.
The FPD WDNC houses a Trial Unit, Appellate Unit, and Capital Habeas Unit. Our Trial Unit represents indigent defendants charged with a range of federal criminal offenses, including (but not limited to) gun crimes, robberies, and fraud. The Trial Unit assists clients with everything from CVB (petty) offenses to murder. Our Appellate Unit assists with pretrial and sentencing litigation and represents clients on appeal in the Fourth Circuit and Supreme Court. Our Capital Habeas Unit, based in the Charlotte office, represents indigent prisoners under state and federal sentences of death imposed within the Fourth Circuit’s appellate jurisdiction. Interns will be assigned to one or multiple units.
Interns will assist with the varied and rewarding work of indigent criminal defense. They will have the opportunity to research and draft motions and legal memoranda, to interview witnesses, to meet with clients, to investigate the facts of the crime and evidence in mitigation of sentence, and to help prepare for jury trials or stay litigation and clemency proceedings. This internship may be a mixture of telework and office/court time.
This is an unpaid internship, and interns are responsible for parking arrangements at their own expense. Students may wish to secure class credit for their work with us, or apply for any public interest fellowship or stipend that may be available through your law school. All interns must complete a background check and will be fingerprinted prior to beginning the internship.
We are seeking rising 2L and 3L law students with a passion to defend the rights of the indigent and vindicate the Bill of Rights. Applicants must have strong research and writing skills and an impeccable work ethic. Interns will be assigned to the Charlotte or Asheville office, depending upon the needs of our clients.
Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis, with a priority deadline of October 17, 2025. An application consists of a cover letter explaining your interest in our organization, your preference to work in the Charlotte or Asheville office, any preference for a specific unit, a resume, and a brief writing sample. All documents should be emailed to [email protected].
NLADA Mutual Insurance Co., RRG
