Legal Intern Spring 2027
Job Location:
Houston, TX - USA
Monthly Salary:
Posted:
Application Deadline:
Vacancies:
Job Summary
- Position Description
About the Harris County Public Defenders Office:
The Harris County Public Defenders Office is dedicated to providing high-quality holistic client-centered legal representation to indigent individuals accused of crimes in Harris County. Our office works to ensure fairness and justice in the criminal legal system through zealous advocacy and compassionate representation.
Position Overview:The Harris County Public Defenders Office (HCPDO) offers law students and recent law school graduates the opportunity to gain meaningful hands-on experience representing indigent clients in one of the largest and busiest criminal court systems in the country. Legal interns are integrated into interdisciplinary defense teams and work directly with attorneys on active criminal cases. Interns contribute to case preparation legal research client advocacy and trial strategy while learning the day-to-day practice of client-centered public defense.
Through mentorship courtroom exposure and close supervision by experienced public defenders interns gain practical skills that prepare them for careers in criminal defense and public interest internships are designed to provide practical legal experience during the academic semester. Responsibilities will vary based on the interns division assignment schedule experience and the needs of the office.
Duties and Responsibilities:
Responsibilities vary depending on division assignment and the stage of a case but may include:- Conduct legal research and draft motions memoranda and other legal documents.
- Assist attorneys with case preparation investigation and trial strategy.
- Observe hearings trials and daily court proceedings.
- Review discovery police reports court records and other case materials.
- Participate in client interviews in both office and custodial settings.
- Support factual investigation and case development.
- Attend division meetings case discussions and other programming relevant to the interns assignment.
- Work collaboratively with attorneys and interdisciplinary team members including investigators social workers mitigation specialists and client relations coordinators.
Harris County is an Equal Opportunity Employer
you need special services or accommodations please call or email .
This position is subject to a criminal history check. Only relevant convictions will be considered and even when considered may not automatically disqualify the candidate.- Requirements
Required Supporting Documents:
Applicants must submit:
Resume
Law school transcript (official or unofficial)
Writing sample or personal statement (maximum four (4) pages)
List of three (3) references including:
Two (2) legal and/or professional references
One (1) personal (non-legal) reference
Incomplete applications may not be considered.
Education:
Applicants must:Be currently enrolled in an ABA-accredited law school orbe a recent graduate of an ABA-accredited law school.
Knowledge Skills and Abilities:
- Demonstrate strong research writing and analytical skills.
- Possess excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
- Be able to maintain confidentiality and exercise sound professional judgment.
- Be able to work collaboratively in a fast-paced client-centered environment.
- Applicants should demonstrate a strong interest in criminal defense public interest law or indigent defense.
NOTE: Qualifying education experience knowledge and skills must be documented on your job application. You may attach a resume to the application as supporting documentation butONLY information stated on the application will be used for consideration. See Resume will not be accepted for qualifications.
- Preferences
Preference may be given to applicants who: Are 2L or 3L law students (strong 1L applicants are encouraged to apply). Have prior legal clinical externship or public interest experience. Demonstrate a commitment to client-centered representation and serving individuals impacted by the criminal legal system.
- General Information
- Desired Start Date End Date:
Position Type and Typical Hours of Work:
- Internship
- Hours will be discussed during departmental interview.
1/19/27 - 4/16/27
Salary:- This internship is unpaid.
- Many students receive academic credit or funding through their law school externship program or public interest fellowship.
- HCPDO is happy to provide any documentation needed to support funding or academic credit after an applicant has been selected.
Questions regarding the application process may be directed to
Employment may be contingent on passing a drug screen and meeting other standards.
Due to a high volume of applications positions may close prior to the advertised closing date or at the discretion of the Hiring Department.
Required Experience:
Intern
