Summer Legal Internship Rising 2Ls 2026

Make a difference! Become a Defender!

The Defender Association of Philadelphia offers law students a rich and exciting summer internship program from the end of May to the end of July. The program is designed for law students who completed their first year of school and have a real interest in indigent criminal defense litigation. This experience offers a broad exposure to the practical applications of criminal defense. Additionally, law students can work with some of the best trial lawyers in the country.

The program includes one week of intensive in-house training on law, procedure and Defender practice. Rotating assignments include exposure to representing clients in the preliminary arraignment, miscellaneous criminal motions, pre-trial probation, and juvenile courts. Interns also have extensive client contact through phone, office and prison interviewing, and learn how to analyze a client's legal problems. Interns will also review forensic data (including video, voice and body-camera footage) and write legal memoranda on the weight of the information reviewed. Interns may participate in a legal research and writing program and work in our civil / criminal mental health unit. We ask those selected to seek outside funding and we can be a work study site.

Who is the Defender Association?

The Defender Association of Philadelphia is more than just a law firm. We're the community's lawyers. The Defender team - more than 500 attorneys, social workers, investigators, administrators, and other staff - make sure that everyone, regardless of income, has access to high-quality defense when facing criminal charges. Our mission-driven, client-centered model focuses on outcomes that support a system that is fundamentally fair and creates safer, stronger communities. Our unique model and approach give our staff the skills to support that they need to get the best outcomes for our clients. Many former Defenders go on in their careers to serve as judges, state and federal officials, and successful private practitioners. Come join our team! Follow us @PhilllyDefenders (Twitter, Instagram & TikTok) and on LinkedIn.

To Apply : Please submit a cover letter addressing interest and experience in indigent criminal defense and resume.

The Defender Association provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability or genetics. In addition to federal law requirements, The Defender Association complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.