Internships
Whether you're a law student, recent law school graduate, or undergraduate interested in public defense, you'll find meaningful, hands-on experience here.
The Harris County Public Defender's Office is one of the largest indigent defense offices in the country. Our interns work alongside attorneys in a fast-moving, high-volume system where client stories, courtroom advocacy, and legal strategy intersect every day. Rather than observing from the sidelines, interns become part of the team and are trusted with meaningful work that directly supports ongoing cases.
Undergraduate internships are limited and available only within select divisions focused on client support and holistic defense.
Legal interns are integrated into interdisciplinary defense teams and work directly with attorneys on active cases. Interns gain meaningful exposure to criminal defense litigation and client-centered advocacy.
Depending on the division and stage of a case, interns may:
- Conduct legal research and draft motions, memoranda, and other legal documents
- Assist attorneys with case preparation and trial strategy
- Observe court hearings, trials, and daily dockets
- Participate in client interviews (in custody and on bond)
- Support case investigation and fact development
- Attend office training and educational programming with attorneys and staff
Summer Program Highlights
In addition to their casework, summer legal interns participate in a structured professional development program that includes:
- Weekly substantive training led by attorneys across the office
- Lunch-and-learn sessions with leadership and specialized practice divisions
- Additional courtroom observation opportunities
- A multi-week mock trial program culminating in a full mock trial
We’re looking for students who are serious about criminal defense work and want hands-on experience in indigent defense.
Preferred applicants:
- Law students (2Ls and 3Ls preferred; strong 1Ls considered)
- Interested in criminal defense, indigent defense, or public interest law
- Able to commit to the required internship schedule
- Professional, reliable, and able to handle confidential information
We look for candidates who demonstrate initiative, professionalism, curiosity, compassion, and a strong sense of accountability, along with a commitment to ethical advocacy and a willingness to learn in a high-responsibility environment.
Internships with the Harris County Public Defender’s Office are uncompensated.
We strongly encourage applicants to explore funding opportunities through their law school career services office, public interest stipends, externship programs, or other institutional funding sources. Many students receive academic credit or funding through their law school, externship program, or public interest fellowship.
If you need documentation or verification for funding purposes, our office is happy to assist once you are selected.
Undergraduate interns are placed only within the Client Relations and Holistic Defense divisions.
These roles focus on the support systems that make effective public defense possible, including client engagement and non-legal case support.
We encourage applicants to explore our divisions to learn more about the wide range of clients, cases, and practice areas within the Harris County Public Defender’s Office. Each division offers a unique perspective on client-centered representation and the work of public defense.
How to apply
Applications for all Harris County Public Defender's Office internships must be submitted through our Government Jobs application portal.
Applicants will be asked to:
- Upload the required application materials.
- Answer four short-answer questions.
- Select their top three practice area interests.
Incomplete applications may not be considered.
Law student applicants must submit:
- Resume
- Law school transcript (official or unofficial)
- Writing sample or personal statement (maximum 4 pages)
- List of three references, including:
- Two legal and/or professional references
- One personal (non-legal) reference
Undergraduate applicants must submit:
- Resume
- Cover letter
- References
- Unofficial transcript
- Semester applying for (Summer, Fall, or Spring)
As part of the application, all applicants will answer the following questions:
- Why are you applying to the Harris County Public Defender's Office?
- Why do you believe you would be an asset to our clients and our office?
- What is a criminal justice issue you feel strongly about?
- What would you like to do after law school?
Practice Area Preferences
Applicants will also be asked to select their top three practice area interests
- Appellate
- Felony Trial
- Holistic Defense (Civil)
- Immigration
- Juvenile
- Mental Health
- Misdemeanor Trial
- Wrongful Convictions
Practice area preferences are considered during the placement process but cannot be guaranteed. Placements are based on office needs, available capacity, and educational opportunities.