Legal Intern

Job Description

Legal Intern – Spring 2027 | Harris County

The Tone:
This is an internship at the Harris County Public Defender’s Office, located in Harris County, dedicated to providing high-quality, holistic legal representation to indigent individuals accused of crimes. The office works to ensure fairness and justice within the criminal legal system through zealous advocacy and compassionate representation. This role offers law students and recent graduates the opportunity to gain meaningful, hands-on experience in one of the largest and busiest criminal court systems in the country. Legal interns are integral to supporting client-centered public defense and preparing for careers in criminal defense and public interest law.

The TL;DR
• Role: Internship
• Type: Internship
• Location: In-person, Houston, TX

• Team: Interdisciplinary defense teams, working directly with attorneys.
• Mission: To gain practical legal experience representing indigent clients and contributing to fairness and justice in the criminal legal system.

What You’ll Actually Do
• Research & Draft: Conduct legal research and draft motions, memoranda, and other essential legal documents.
• Case Preparation: Assist attorneys with comprehensive case preparation, factual investigation, and the development of trial strategy.
• Client Advocacy: Participate in client interviews in both office and custodial settings to ensure client-centered representation.
• Discovery Review: Review discovery materials, police reports, court records, and other case documentation to support active criminal cases.
• Team Collaboration: Work collaboratively with attorneys, investigators, social workers, and other interdisciplinary team members on case discussions and development.

The Must-Haves
• Background: Currently enrolled in or a recent graduate of an ABA-accredited law school.
• Experience: No specific years required; however, prior legal, clinical, externship, or public interest experience is preferred.
• Skills: Demonstrate strong research, writing, and analytical skills; possess excellent interpersonal and communication skills; able to maintain confidentiality and exercise sound professional judgment; capable of working collaboratively in a client-centered environment; strong interest in criminal defense, public interest law, or indigent defense.
• Bonus: 2L or 3L law students (strong 1L applicants are encouraged to apply); prior legal, clinical, externship, or public interest experience; demonstrated commitment to client-centered representation and serving individuals impacted by the criminal legal system.