The Los Angeles County Public Defender’s Office Intern Program introduces select students to the operations of the public defender’s office, the court system, and related agencies in the criminal justice system. Our interns are mentored by experienced criminal defense attorneys and other key members of our legal team. Our Intern Program consists of three different categories of Interns: (1) Legal Interns, (2) Investigator Interns, (3) Paralegal Interns, and (4) Communications Interns.
Our interns are volunteers who assist our office in various ways, including collecting information from clients, organizing case files, assisting with technology, and numerous other tasks. The internship program enables our interns to gain exposure to the inner workings of the largest public defender’s office in the country. Volunteer interns must be at least 18 years old, and be currently enrolled in college, pre-law school, or be a post-graduate. Students may volunteer for academic credit. The internship program does not have a minimum hour requirement (though at least 16 hours weekly is recommended), and the program generally tracks the academic year. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.
