The Capital Trial Unit of the Federal Community Defender for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania is now accepting applications, on a rolling basis, from law students interested in public service and criminal law for our summer 2025 internship program. In addition to working with the Capital Trial Unit, the successful applicant will work closely with our office’s Capital Habeas Unit.
The Capital Trial Unit provides pre-trial and trial-stage representation to federal criminal defendants whose cases have been authorized by the U.S. Attorney General as capital prosecutions. We represent clients in a number of federal jurisdictions around the country. We partner with experienced local counsel, investigators, mitigation specialists, and other experts to provide high-level legal representation and support to clients who are at risk of being sentenced to death.
We expect that our interns will assist in some or all of the following:
- Drafting motions, memoranda, and briefs.
- Researching forensic issues, including DNA, fingerprints, hair and fiber, and ballistics.
- Assisting in factual investigation and developing case strategy by reviewing and digesting medical and institutional records and transcripts of prior proceedings.
- Helping to identify, vet, and prep expert witnesses.
- Contributing to mitigation investigation by providing social-science research.
- Assisting in investigation of witnesses.
- Depending on logistical considerations, interns may have the opportunity to observe hearings, participate in moots, and observe oral arguments.
- Assist trial teams with legal and factual research immediately before, and during, trial.
Work with our office’s Capital Habeas Unit on cases in a postconviction posture in federal court, to include legal research and writing, fact investigation, and mitigation work.
Interns will also receive formal and “on-the-job” substantive training on criminal law as it pertains to capital prosecutions, capital jurisprudence, and the logistical and ethical considerations that arise in death penalty cases.
The internship is open to current 1Ls and 2Ls. Preference will be given to current 2Ls, but current 1Ls with relevant experience and interest are encouraged to apply as well.
We are currently accepting applications for Summer 2025 and will consider applications on a rolling basis. Qualified students are encouraged to apply electronically by submitting a cover letter, resume, and transcript (unofficial is satisfactory) to PAE_Employment_CTU_Interns@fd.org.
Applicants should highlight their commitment to public interest, advocacy experience, and any background in criminal defense, particularly death-penalty work. Applicants are also encouraged to mention any background in psychology, social work, investigative work, or any other background in public interest work on behalf of underserved communities. Interviews and hiring will be on a rolling basis. Students are expected to devote 40 hours per week for a ten-week program beginning in late May or early June 2025 (exact start date to be announced).
We may be able to provide funding to students who qualify; please note, however, that this funding is limited and is not guaranteed.