Description: Unpaid
The Pima County Public Defender’s Office represents indigent individuals upon court appointment in felony criminal cases, direct appeals, post-conviction matters, juvenile delinquencies, and dependency proceedings.
Assisting the attorneys and office staff in the day-to-day duties of the law office. Including, but not limited to;
- Summarizing media (i.e. audio of interviews, photos, surveillance videos, jail calls, etc.)
- Summarizing medical records, (i.e. treatment dates, diagnoses, etc.)
- Jail visits with clients (clearance required)
- Mitigation projects (writing reports to aid in a client’s sentencing. The reports detail childhood trauma, mental health issues, and other sensitive areas)
- Observing court proceedings
- Attend weekly meetings
- Interns will also attend “field trips” to the Office of the Medical Examiner, a Superior Court Judge’s chambers, federal court, prison, and Pima County Jail
- Have discussions with attorneys in the office on topics such as plea negotiations, immigration, appellate work, juvenile work, and others
- Interns are invited to participate in attorney meetings, trial reviews, client meetings, Rule 15 interviews, and more
Internship Available
- Summer
Deadlines
Summer: April 1
Purpose of Internship
The purpose of the internship is to assist attorneys and staff in providing high quality representation to indigent clients. Interns will gain firsthand knowledge of the criminal justice system and experience working in a professional office environment. Interns will also develop skills related to interacting with marginalized people, which is invaluable for a future career in public service.
Agency Qualifications (preferred)
- 3.0 GPA and above
- Junior status and above
- Excellent Writers
How to Apply
Students must submit a cover letter, resume, and optional writing sample (no more than 8 pages; any topic) in PDF format to Meighan LaFata.
Contact
Pima County Public Defender's Office
Meighan LaFata: Meighan.LaFata@pima.gov
University of Arizona
Laureana Jones (Internship Coordinator): laureanajones@arizona.edu
Website
https://www.pima.gov/272/Public-Defender