Appellate Public Defense Internship

2026
SUMMER INTERNSHIP PROGRAM
Graduate Student Assistant (Intern)
Monthly Salary: $3,278.00-$4,287.00
Accepting applications through October 27, 2025
The Office of the State Public Defender (OSPD) provides
cutting-edge legal services to indigent people convicted of
non-capital and capital offenses who appeal their convictions
to the California Court of Appeal and Supreme Court and
works to enhance the quality and capacity of public defense
systems across California. We have been responsible for
major legal developments in death penalty law, due process
rights, the right to counsel, the Racial Justice Act,
ameliorative resentencing laws, and many other issues.

About the Internship
We offer committed law students the opportunity to participate in a paid 10-week summer internship
from June until August. Our Summer Interns receive extensive training on everything from capital
case procedure to how to litigate the Racial Justice Act. Additional trainings and events, including a
tour of San Quentin prison, career panels, and social events are held throughout the summer.
As an Intern, you will assist with capital and non-capital appellate representation. This includes
reviewing appellate records for the Racial Justice Act and other legal violations, legal and non-legal
(such as social science and forensic science) research, and drafting memos and legal pleadings.
This internship is challenging and the work is complex. When summer ends, you will have sharper
research and writing skills, a better understanding of the career opportunities in criminal defense, and
an excellent writing sample to share with prospective employers.

Ideal Candidate:
Client-centered
Intellectually curious
Excellent writing skills
Open to on-the-job training and
feedback
Dedicated to public interest work
Interested in research & writing
Committed to public defense