Student Legal Intern

Job Description

About the Company

The Public Defender Division, Malden Office is a part of the Committee for Public Counsel Services (CPCS), which is the state agency in Massachusetts responsible for providing legal representation to individuals who cannot afford an attorney, as mandated by state or federal constitutional or statutory requirements. CPCS handles cases across a wide range of legal areas, including criminal, delinquency, youthful offender, child welfare, guardianship, mental health, sexually dangerous person, and sex offender registry cases, as well as related appeals and post-conviction/judgment proceedings.

Mission and Values:
The Malden Office and CPCS are driven by a commitment to equal justice and human dignity. Their core mission involves zealously advocating for the rights of individuals, supporting clients in achieving their legal and life goals, and promoting just public policy. Their values are encapsulated by the acronym CARE: Courage, Accountability, Respect, Excellence.

Diversity and Inclusion:
CPCS has a strong Diversity and Inclusion Mission Statement, emphasizing the protection of fundamental constitutional and human rights through zealous advocacy, community-oriented defense, and excellent legal representation. They are dedicated to building strong professional relationships, respecting the diverse circumstances of each client, and meeting individual needs. Diversity, equity, and inclusion are core values, with a commitment to ensuring staff representation of a broad range of human differences, providing a respectful and supportive work climate, and promoting the dignity and well-being of all staff members. CPCS recognizes that its diverse client base necessitates culturally competent staff capable of working effectively with people of different races, ethnicities, genders, sexual orientations, abilities, and language proficiencies.

The Malden Trial Office:
Specifically, the Malden Trial Office focuses on defending individuals accused of misdemeanors and felonies within Middlesex County. This includes representation in the Middlesex Superior Court and the Woburn, Waltham, Cambridge, Malden, and Somerville District Courts.

About the Job

The Public Defender Division, Malden Office, is offering unpaid student legal internship positions for Spring 2026. These internships can be pursued on a part-time or full-time basis.

Position Overview:
Student legal interns are considered an integral part of the Malden Office team, working closely with dedicated attorneys, social service advocates, and investigators. The internship is designed to prepare students to be excellent public defenders, providing a supportive environment with experienced, passionate attorneys who value intern assistance and input. All interns will participate in training focused on client advocacy skills and Massachusetts criminal practice, and are welcome to attend all office trainings and brainstorm sessions.

Key Responsibilities:
Interns will work directly with legal professionals on a variety of tasks, including:
• Court Representation (if 3:03 certified): Representing clients at arraignments, arguing for their release from imprisonment, and representing clients at pretrial hearings, including motions to dismiss, all under the close supervision of experienced attorneys.
• Legal Research and Writing: Conducting legal research and drafting pretrial motions and legal memoranda.
• Client Interaction: Meeting with and interviewing clients in the office and at various prisons, jails, and hospitals.
• Case Investigation: Investigating cases, which includes visiting the locations of alleged offenses and interviewing witnesses.
• Trial Preparation: Assisting attorneys in preparing for motions and trials.
• Observation: Interns are encouraged to attend court as often as they would like to observe proceedings.

Work Environment:
The office currently operates in-person, and interns are expected to work on-site at the office and/or courts most days. Both the office and all courts are easily accessible via public transportation, eliminating the need for interns to have access to a car.

Qualifications:
• Eligibility: All students who will have completed their first year of law school by the start of their internship are eligible to apply.
• Suitability: This internship is best suited for students who enjoy legal research and writing, whose coursework demonstrates an interest in criminal law, who possess a commitment to social and racial justice, and who share the office’s commitment to providing zealous representation to clients.
• SJC Rule 3:03 Certification: Students who have successfully completed or are enrolled in an evidence or trial practice class, with the written approval of their dean, may represent clients in court under supervision. Students who will not be eligible for 3:03 certification are also strongly encouraged to apply.
• Helpful Qualifications:
• Coursework in evidence, criminal law, criminal procedure, constitutional law, critical legal theory, and/or trial advocacy.
• Experience working with low-income clients, people of color, immigrants, LGBTQ people, and other historically oppressed groups.
• Experience working with clients with mental illnesses and substance abuse disorders.
• Ability to speak a foreign language.

Application Process:
To apply, candidates must submit a resume, cover letter, and writing sample. The cover letter should be addressed to attorneys Brian Pilchik and Rebecca Hutchinson. Applications are considered on a rolling basis.

Compensation:
This is not a paid position. Students are encouraged to explore all available funding sources, such as through their school or federal work-study fellowships, for internships at public service agencies.

EEO Statement:
The Committee for Public Counsel Services (CPCS) is an equal opportunity employer and strictly prohibits discrimination based on race, color, national origin, ethnicity, sex, disability, religion, age, veteran or military status, genetic information, gender identity, or sexual orientation, in compliance with federal and state statutes and organizational policies. Applicants requiring reasonable accommodations or having questions about equal employment opportunity can contact the Chief Human Resources Officer, Sandra DeBow-Huang, at sdebow@publiccounsel.net.