Investigation Internships | Office of the Federal Public Defender

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Capital Habeas Unit Investigator Mission Statement

We approach each case with empathy, commitment, and creativity; we embrace the learning process and exemplify flexibility and preparedness in executing tasks; and we serve as a resource to the team.

Investigator and Mitigation Specialist Internships in the Capital Habeas Unit

Our internship program provides an excellent introduction to criminal defense investigation, mitigation investigation, and an overview of the process of working on a capital post-conviction case.

The Capital Habeas Unit represents indigent persons in federal habeas proceedings after they have been convicted and sentenced to death in state or federal court. All cases are handled by collaborative in-house teams of Assistant Federal Public Defenders, staff attorneys, investigators, and paralegals.

Our interns work closely with the staff investigators, as well as the attorneys and paralegals, to develop skills such as locating and interviewing witnesses, identifying, and retrieving evidence, reviewing documents for relevant information, researching and writing mitigation reports, and developing case theories that will be the basis for relief. The internship will involve both record-based projects and field investigation, depending on the needs of the case.

Students from a wide range of educational levels (undergraduate, graduate and law students), fields of study, such as journalism/reporting, social sciences, forensic science, and other diverse backgrounds are well-suited and encouraged to apply to these internships.

Feedback from past interns:

During my time at the Federal Public Defenders, I was able to delve into many different areas the office focuses on with great support and guidance from the staff. I was consistently included in Trial Unit and Capital Habeas Unit investigations and court proceedings, allowing me the opportunity to gain a lot of first-hand knowledge and experience. While I did not end up working in the legal space after this experience, it has created a foundation on which I can discuss difficult topics with a trauma-informed lens.

Katie K.
Investigator Intern 2022

The FPD internship granted me high-quality exposure to investigative techniques and the justice system. I appreciated my supervisors' unwavering commitment to imparting their knowledge of legal and investigative processes. Their mentorship enabled me to contribute substantively to high-stakes cases. I recommend the program to anyone seeking a supportive and enriching work environment to deepen their understanding of the dynamics and individuals within the justice system.

Olivia M.
Investigator Intern, Spring 2022

My internship was an extremely constructive experience. I am grateful to have been encouraged to apply. As an Investigator/Mitigation Specialist Intern, I received informative trainings on the journey of a capital case, criminal defense investigation, and mitigation investigation. I was assigned a variety and diverse array of record-based assignments and projects, which allowed me to put the trainings into practice and truly embrace the learning process. Through going out in the field with the investigators, I got a lay of the land of investigating and developed keen observation and communication skills. Most importantly, I learned the importance of listening, thoroughness, and diligence in the endeavor of helping and defending people. I left this internship with a wonderful support system, mentors, and a toolbox of investigative knowledge and skills.

Rahaf A-M.
Investigator Intern, Spring 2023

HOW TO APPLY:

We accept investigator/mitigation specialist internship applications throughout the year. Undergraduate, graduate and law students may apply. Students who can multitask, are meticulous in their work, possess excellent communication skills, and demonstrate a passion and commitment for criminal defense or public service are encouraged to apply. Internships will run through the Fall, Spring, and Summer semesters. Candidates should submit a cover letter, résumé, writing sample, and transcript via mail or email (no phone calls, please) to: Robert_Lowney@fd.org.