Legal Intern
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Job Description
About the New Mexico Federal Public Defender (FPD)
The New Mexico Federal Public Defender (FPD) is a government organization established under the Criminal Justice Act (18 U.S.C. 3006A) to provide legal representation to individuals facing federal criminal charges in New Mexico. They operate under the Sixth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, ensuring the right to legal counsel.
The FPD operates two offices: one in Albuquerque and another in Las Cruces. They handle a wide variety of cases, including:
• Indian Country cases: murder, manslaughter, aggravated sexual abuse, assault
• Guns: possession, trafficking
• Drugs: wiretap/undercover investigations, highway stops, interstate train and bus searches
• Robberies: bank, Hobbs Act violations
• Fraud
• Threats
• Supervised release violations
• Appeals
• Border issues: criminal immigration offenses, smuggling offenses, drug cases, violent felonies (Las Cruces office)
Legal Intern Position Description
The Legal Intern at the FPD provides research and writing support to staff attorneys. Their responsibilities include:
• Researching legal issues
• Conducting witness interviews
• Drafting motions
• Working directly with clients
• Assisting in trial preparation
• Drafting legal memoranda
• Drafting briefs
• Drafting petitions for certiorari
• Analyzing and researching legal documents and issues
Interns may also:
• Work on appellate projects
• Draft appellate pleadings
• Appear in court under supervision
The FPD is a fast-paced environment with a high volume of cases. This internship offers a valuable opportunity to gain hands-on experience in criminal defense practice and work with a variety of cases.
Internship Eligibility and Application Process
• Eligibility: Applicants must have completed at least their first year of law school.
• Commitment: The internship requires a minimum of 20 hours per week for 10 weeks but offers the option to work up to 40 hours per week.
• Background Check: A satisfactory background investigation is required for the final offer.
• Citizenship: Applicants must be a U.S. citizen or authorized to work in the U.S.
• Compensation: Compensation is provided by Electronic Funds Transfer (direct deposit).
• Application: Submit a statement of interest and detailed resume with at least three references in a single PDF document to: Michelle Dworak, Administrative Officer, FDNM-HR@fd.org. Include “2025-summer intern” in the subject line. No phone calls please.
