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Public Defender Intern Jobs (NOW HIRING)

PhRMA

Fall Internship, Public Affairs

Washington, DC · On-site

$25 - $35/hr

The intern will broadly assist members of the Public Affairs Department and work with multiple teams. PhRMA's Public Affairs department is responsible for building, advancing, and defending the ...

Keeper Security

Communications Intern

$15.25 - $20.50/hr

... in our public relations and social media efforts. About Keeper Keeper is a pioneer of zero ... About the Role The Communications Intern will be mentored by and report to Keeper's Communications ...

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How much do public defender intern jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 1, 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?

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.

Is it easy to get hired as a public defender intern?

Securing a public defender intern position can be competitive, often requiring relevant coursework, strong academic performance, and sometimes prior legal or volunteer experience. Applicants typically need to demonstrate good communication skills, a commitment to public service, and may need to complete an application process that includes interviews and background checks.

What do you wear to a public defender internship?

Public Defender Interns should dress professionally, typically in business casual attire such as slacks or skirts with a blouse or button-down shirt. It is important to present a neat and respectful appearance suitable for a legal environment, and some internships may require formal business attire for court appearances or client meetings.
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Public Defender Intern jobs near you
Infographic showing various Public Defender Intern job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 80% Full Time, 15% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $35,436 per year, or $17 per hour.

ZZ Bachelor's Internship Problem-Solving Court Clinician

Chestnut Health Systems

Bloomington, IL • On-site

Internship

Re-posted 6 days ago

Chestnut Health Systems rating

6.8

Company rating: 6.8 out of 10

Based on 5 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

Overview

Unpaid internship for bachelor's-level students in a counseling-related field (e.g. social work, psychology). This is a year long internship in our court treatment programs, which include Drug Court and Recovery Court (a mental health court). Interns will work directly with a multidisciplinary staff that includes many departments of the court house including: State's Attorney's Office, Public Defender's Office, Probation Department, Jail Staff, Police, and Judges among others to help clients address mental health and substance use related issues.  If you treasure working on a team or wish to learn more about the intersection of treatment and the criminal justice system this is the internship for you.

Responsibilities

Conducting assessments and diagnosis with supervision, developing treatment plans, case management services, and leading manualized curriculums. Also attending court staffings and court proceedings at the courthouse on a weekly basis.

Qualifications

Applicants must be at least 21 years of age, working towards a bachelor's degree in psychology, counseling, social work, or related field.

Employment Type: OTHER

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