All programs accept applications on a rolling basis. Please refer to the specific program page for detailed instructions, selection process and criteria, contacts, and documents to be included in applications.

Unfortunately, we are unable to offer financial compensation currently. Often, interns can secure stipends or fellowships from their respective schools, particularly for the intensive full-time programs. We will work with schools and other resources as much as possible to meet the criteria for credit or financial support, if available.

We encourage students to collaborate with each other as much as with our staff and their respective supervisors. We have designated intern space centrally located in the office. Investigation and paralegal interns often work closely with their project supervisors.

We strongly prefer and encourage students to report to the office, as we find remote students miss out on the connections and collaboration that are critical components of these programs. We encourage students to seek out and engage with as many staff members as possible as part of the learning experience.

As a mid-size office of 50 people, we cannot guarantee availability of positions. However, we welcome applications for consideration from past interns with a proven interest in our clients and our work.

Our summer programs are typically 40 hours per week for ten weeks. Fall and Spring semester programs may be adjusted to accommodate academic schedules and school-specific requirements. Semester students typically spend 10 – 20 hours per week in the office.

Absolutely! We appreciate the contributions of all members of our FPD family and seek to provide our interns with an understanding of the important roles and responsibilities all staff play in representing our clients. We introduce and include as many different team members as possible in our training programs. 

For law clerks, we provide a formal training program as well as ongoing informal training through working closely with attorneys, investigators, and paralegals on case-specific projects. Students in our intensive full-time summer program begin with a “boot camp,” in which they learn the nuts and bolts of federal criminal and capital habeas litigation through various presentations by numerous attorneys, investigators, and paralegals. Our semester students also receive training through a condensed formal program with a greater focus on informal training through project-specific one-on-one meetings with attorneys and client teams.

The investigation/mitigation and paralegal internships also provide intensive training programs on general and specific topics in their respective fields. These trainings also incorporate staff from all disciplines to educate students on the “big picture” for a comprehensive understanding of how different roles impact client representation. 

Yes. We strive to provide a well-rounded experience across disciplines through project assignments and social and professional networking. Students are always encouraged to meet as many people as possible to learn about their specialized roles. Interns are included in office-wide formal and informal social gatherings.

Please email:

Law Clerk Program:
Ari Weitzman, Assistant Federal Public Defender, Trial Unit
Ari_Weitzman@fd.org
Kanisha Ervin, R&W Attorney, Capital Habeas Unit
Kanisha_Ervin@fd.org

Investigator Program:
Robert Lowney, Investigator, Capital Habeas Unit
Robert_Lowney@fd.org

Paralegal Program:
Mary Snyder, Paralegal, Capital Habeas Unit
Mary_L_Snyder@fd.org