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), the state agency in Massachusetts responsible for providing legal representation to individuals who cannot afford an attorney, as required by state or federal law. CPCS offers representation in 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 proceedings.

Mission and Values:
The Public Defender Division’s core mission is to fight for equal justice and human dignity. They support clients in achieving their legal and life goals, zealously advocating for individual rights, and promoting just public policy to protect the rights of all. Their operations are guided by the CARE values:
• Courage
• Accountability
• Respect
• Excellence

Diversity and Inclusion:
CPCS is deeply committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion as core values. They aim to protect the fundamental constitutional and human rights of their assigned clients through zealous advocacy, community-oriented defense, and excellent legal representation. This commitment involves:
1. Ensuring management and staff represent a broad range of human differences and experience.
2. Providing a respectful work climate that supports success.
3. Promoting the dignity and well-being of all staff members.
CPCS emphasizes the importance of cultural competency among its staff to work effectively with diverse clients across various backgrounds, including different races, ethnicities, genders, sexual orientation identities, abilities, and English proficiency levels.

Malden Office Specifics:
The Malden Trial Office specifically defends people accused of misdemeanors and felonies in Superior and District Courts within Middlesex County, including the Middlesex Superior Court, Woburn District Court, Waltham District Court, Cambridge District Court, Malden District Court, and Somerville District Court.

Job Description: Spring 2026 Legal Internship

The Public Defender Division, Malden Office is seeking law students for unpaid internship positions for Spring 2026. These internships can be part-time or full-time.

Position Overview:
Student legal interns are considered an integral part of the office team, working closely with dedicated attorneys, social service advocates, and investigators. The internship provides a practical and immersive experience in public defense, emphasizing client advocacy skills and Massachusetts criminal practice.

Responsibilities:
Interns will work directly with attorneys, investigators, and social service advocates on a variety of tasks:
• Court Representation (if 3:03 certified): Representing clients at arraignments and arguing for their release from imprisonment; representing clients at pretrial hearings, including motions to dismiss.
• Client Interaction: Meeting with and interviewing clients in the office and at various prisons, jails, and hospitals.
• Legal Research & Writing: Conducting legal research; drafting pretrial motions and legal memoranda.
• Case Preparation: Assisting attorneys in preparing for motions and trials.
• Investigation: Investigating cases, which may include visiting alleged offense locations and interviewing witnesses.

Interns are also encouraged to attend court to observe proceedings and participate in office trainings and brainstorm sessions. A specific training focused on client advocacy skills and Massachusetts criminal practice is provided at the start of the internship.

Qualifications:
• Applicants must have completed their first year of law school by the start of the internship.
• The position is best suited for students who enjoy legal research and writing, demonstrate an interest in criminal law through their coursework, are committed to social and racial justice, and share the office’s commitment to zealous representation.
• Helpful (but not required) qualifications include:
• 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.
• Students who successfully complete or are enrolled in an evidence or trial practice class, with written dean’s approval, may be eligible for SJC Rule 3:03 certification, allowing them to represent clients in court under supervision. Students not eligible for 3:03 certification are also encouraged to apply.

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

Compensation:
This is an unpaid position. Students are encouraged to explore external funding sources, such as school stipends or federal work-study fellowships, for public service internships.

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

Equal Employment Opportunity:
CPCS is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate 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.