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$24

How much do public defender intern jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 28, 2026, the average hourly pay for public defender intern in the United States is $17.04, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.42 and $19.23 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a Public Defender Intern do?

A Public Defender Intern assists public defenders in providing legal representation to individuals who cannot afford private attorneys, usually in criminal cases. Interns may conduct legal research, draft motions and briefs, observe court proceedings, and help prepare case files. They often work closely with attorneys and clients, gaining hands-on experience in criminal defense law. This role provides valuable exposure to the court system and helps interns develop practical legal skills under supervision.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Public Defender Intern, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Public Defender Intern, you need a solid understanding of criminal law, legal research, and case preparation, often supported by enrollment in or completion of law school coursework. Familiarity with legal research databases like Westlaw or LexisNexis, and proficiency in drafting legal documents, are typically required. Strong communication, empathy, and resilience are standout soft skills for working with diverse clients and navigating challenging legal environments. These abilities are crucial for providing effective defense, supporting attorneys, and ensuring fair legal representation for clients.

What is the difference between Public Defender Intern vs Public Defender Associate?

AspectPublic Defender InternPublic Defender Associate
Required CredentialsLaw student or recent graduate, often in internship programsLicensed attorney with bar admission
Work EnvironmentInternship setting, supervised by attorneys, limited responsibilitiesFull-time legal practice, handling cases independently under supervision
Employer & Industry UsageGovernment agencies, law schools, legal clinicsPublic defender offices, government legal departments
Common Search & ComparisonOften searched by students or interns exploring career pathsCompared by those seeking full-time public defense roles

In summary, a Public Defender Intern is typically a law student or recent graduate gaining experience through internships, while a Public Defender Associate is a licensed attorney actively practicing in public defense roles. The intern position is more educational and supervised, whereas the associate handles cases independently within the public defender office.

What types of tasks and responsibilities can I expect as a Public Defender Intern?

As a Public Defender Intern, you'll typically assist attorneys with case preparation, including conducting legal research, drafting motions, and reviewing discovery materials. You may also observe court proceedings, interview clients, and help with trial preparation under supervision. Interns often work closely with both attorneys and support staff, gaining exposure to a variety of criminal cases and learning about courtroom procedures. This role provides valuable hands-on experience in legal defense work and an opportunity to develop skills in client communication and legal analysis.
More about Public Defender Intern jobs
What cities are hiring for Public Defender Intern jobs? Cities with the most Public Defender Intern job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Public Defender jobs? The most popular types of Public Defender jobs are:
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Public Defender Intern jobs near you
Infographic showing various Public Defender Intern job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 14% As Needed, 14% Full Time, and 72% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $35,436 per year, or $17 per hour.
Fall 2026 Undergraduate Intern, Communications - Earned Media and Communications Strategy

Fall 2026 Undergraduate Intern, Communications - Earned Media and Communications Strategy

ACLU - Internships

Washington, DC • On-site, Remote

$20/hr

Part-time, Internship

Posted 2 days ago

Job description

The ACLU seeks an Undergraduate Intern in the Communications and Marketing Department of the ACLU's National office. This is a part-time position that can be based in Washington D.C., New York or remote.
Qualifying applicants must currently be matriculated undergraduate students or an equivalent combination of education and/or experience and must be based in the U.S. for the entire duration of the internship and must be based in the U.S. for the entire duration of the internship.
The Team:
The ACLU communications department creates, maintains, and expands message narratives to engage our supporters and other target audiences, to help protect and expand civil liberties and civil rights, and also illustrate the value and impact of the ACLU's transformational work. Through our messaging, engagement with newsmakers, our written content, creative branding, and visual identity, we encourage support for the ACLU and help to build a more perfect union.
What You'll Do:
The media and communications strategy intern will work on a wide array of civil liberties and civil rights issues, including, but not limited to advocacy and litigation around free speech, immigrants' rights, national security, privacy and technology, reproductive rights, voting rights, and criminal justice reform. The intern will contribute to creating and expanding message narratives and will use strategic communications to help bring attention to ACLU cases and advocate for policies we care about. Interns will get experience on social media, media relations, storytelling, and more.
Your Day to Day
  • Contribute to the day-to-day functions of the communications department, including writing internal and external-facing materials such as press releases, talking points, social media posts, blogs, digital content, and media advisories
  • Build media expertise by researching and building lists of key reporters, editors, producers, and bookers from a wide array of national and local publications
  • Help increase coverage of ACLU issues and messages by crafting and sending pitches to news media on ACLU campaigns and projects
  • Monitor news and media trends, including tracking press clips
  • Engage in research projects that can help inform multi-faceted communications plans, which include goals, audiences, messaging, and media relations strategies

What You'll Bring:
  • Completion of at least the first year of an undergraduate degree in communications, public relations, journalism, political science, or a related field
  • At least one semester (or equivalent) internship or work experience in the following areas: journalism, public relations, communications
  • Experience drafting press releases, blogs, social media posts, or other digital content strongly preferred
  • Exceptional writing and editing skills
  • Avid news reader; familiarity with news media and online platforms, as well as the latest trends in media
  • Familiarity with best practices in communications and public relations
  • Familiarity with Associated Press style or media relations software such as Cision or Meltwater is a plus

Future ACLU-ers Will:
  • Be committed to advancing the mission of the ACLU
  • Center and embed the principles of equity, inclusion and belonging in their work by demonstrating commitment to diversity with an approach that respects and values multiple perspectives
  • Be committed to work collaboratively and respectfully toward resolving obstacles and conflict

Internship Logistics:
  • Location: Our internship program offers a limited number of remote or hybrid intern positions. This internship is part-time and can by remote or based in our Washington D.C. or NY National office.
  • Time Commitment: Part-time (10, 15 or 20 hours/week)
  • Internship Duration: 12 weeks. This internship has a start date of: September 8th or September 21st
  • Stipend: A stipend is available for students who are lawfully authorized to work. Arrangements can be made with educational institutions for work/study or course credit.
    • Below are the stipend rates:
      • $20/hr for undergraduate students or equivalent experience
  • Application Process: This is a writing intensive internship. Please do not use ChatGPT or other AI writing tools to draft your application.

This internship must be tied to the intern's formal education program by integrated coursework or the receipt of academic credit
Priority Application Deadline: July 15, 2026
Why the ACLU:
For over 100 years, the ACLU has worked to defend and preserve the individual rights and liberties guaranteed by the Constitution and laws of the United States. Whether it's ending mass incarceration, achieving full equality for the LGBTQ+ community, establishing new privacy protections for our digital age, or preserving the right to vote or the right to have an abortion, the ACLU takes up the toughest civil liberties cases and issues to defend all people.
Our Commitment to Accessibility, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion
Accessibility, equity, diversity, and inclusion are core values of the ACLU and central to our work to advance liberty, equality, and justice for all. For us diversity, equity and inclusion are not just check-the-box activities, but a chance for us to make long-term meaningful change. We are a community committed to learning and growth, humility and grace, transparency and accountability. We believe in a collective responsibility to create a culture of belonging for all people within our organization - one that respects and embraces difference; treats everyone equitably; and empowers our colleagues to do the best work possible. We are as committed to anti-oppression and anti-racism internally as we are externally. Because whether we're in the courts or in the office, we believe 'We the People' means all of us.
With this commitment in mind, we strongly encourage applications from all qualified individuals without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, national origin, marital status, citizenship, disability, veteran status and record of arrest or conviction, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.
The ACLU is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to individuals with disabilities. If you are a qualified individual with a disability and need assistance applying online, please email benefits.hrdept@aclu.org. If you are selected for an interview, you will receive additional information regarding how to request accommodations for the interview process.

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