Volunteer Internship Fall

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Volunteer Internship, Fall

The intern will work work in the Felony Panel Units and work with two experienced trial attorneys to assist in the defense of the most serious and violent felonies. Will be expected to synthesize and organize voluminous discovery, 911 recordings, body worn camera recordings and provide the attorneys with their opinions and conclusions. Attend court with their assigned attorneys to observe trial attorneys' interactions with opposing counsel and negotiations with judges, as well as to interact with clients and their family members in the courthouse. Assist Felony Panel attorneys with legal research and writing of trial briefs as well as issues that pop up during the jury trial. Accompany trial attorneys to court during jury trials and take notes of witnesses, observe jury reactions, and provide the attorneys with their opinions and observations. Will have access to a variety of assignments working with attorneys who handle the most serious felony criminal cases in the county including death penalty, sex offenses, and homicides to attorneys handling misdemeanor cases, including driving under the influence, petty theft, and shoplifting cases. Work with attorneys and have a variety of duties including interviewing clients, assisting trial attorneys in case preparation, reviewing discovery and if law students or post-Bar law school graduates, legal research and writing and motions work. Students may be placed in a Branch Court office throughout the County (i.e., West, Harbor, North, and Central) where they will work with misdemeanor attorneys and/or felony attorneys. Students in a branch court, should demonstrate not only a commitment to the indigent, but also organization, creativity and initiative. While in the Branch Court, the volunteer may interact with clients, assist with case organization and research, listen to and view body worn camera video, prepare motions and other written documents for the benefit of clients and attend a variety of court hearings up to and including preliminary examinations, 1538.5 motions, and/or jury trials depending on the intern's availability. Volunteer law students may be placed in the Felony Panel in the main office and assist attorneys who handle the most serious felony cases in the County. Students on the Felony Panel should demonstrate not only a commitment to the indigent, but also organization, strong legal research and writing skills and initiative. Students on the Felony Panel assist with case organization and research, listen to and view law enforcement recordings including body worn camera video, 911 calls, witness interviews, and prepare motions and other written documents for the benefit of clients. May, at times, accompany the attorney to crime scenes, and attend court hearings leading up to and including preliminary examinations, and/or jury trials depending on the volunteer law student's availability. Law students will be considered. Should preferably have an understanding of the work of the Public Defender, a strong academic background, a strong work ethic and the ability to work independently yet ask questions when needed.

Duration: August to November

Additional Information

Submit cover letter, current resume, an unofficial transcript, and a writing sample.

Company info

Orange County Public Defender Office
Irene Pai
14 Civic Center Plaza Suite 200
Santa Ana
California
United States 92703
Website : http://www.pubdef.ocgov.com/