Internship Opportunities

The Public Defender - Criminal Division has internship opportunities for students seeking experience in and exposure to the criminal justice system.  We welcome students looking to earn college credit hours, perform pro bono work through the Pro Bono Scholarship Program, or secure paid positions.  Internship positions are available in each academic semester as well as through our summer internship program.

Law students are welcome to apply to the Summer Law Internship program which aims to provide firsthand experience into the responsibilities of an Assistant Public Defender.

Please see below for the description of available opportunities and requisite deadlines.

In the event you are seeking a placement with the Public Defender's office that is not described below, please contact the office at 315-798-5870.

Summer Law Internship

The Summer Law Internship program seeks to treat legal interns as future Assistant Public Defenders.  The program provides firsthand exposure to criminal defense, including courtroom proceedings in County, City, and Local courts.  Students will work closely with Assistant Public Defenders in the investigation, preparation, and defense of criminal cases in Oneida County.

The Public Defender - Criminal Division will petition for Practice Orders on behalf of eligible Summer Law Interns, that are accepted to the program, to allow law students to appear on the record in court proceedings under the guidance and supervision of an Assistant Public Defender.  Efforts will be made for each Summer Law Intern, with a practice order, to conduct violation bench trials and draft legal filings that may be used as future writing samples.

Time Commitment:  Summer Law Interns will be required to work at least 20 hours per week for a minimum of 8 weeks.

Compensation: Summer Law Interns will earn $25/hour.

Application Process for Summer Law Internships:

Applicants must apply through the Oneida County employment portal which opens March 1st each year; follow the link here.  Through the portal, you will submit an application along with your resume.  If you have any questions or problems submitting your application, please contact Art Rapp, Job Development & Placement Manager, at arapp@oneidacountyny.gov or 315-798-3679.

Applicants seeking a Summer Law Internship should be received by April 15th. Efforts will be made to extend offers by May 1st.
 

College Internships

College students will work closely with Assistant Public Defenders and other staff who are investigating and defending criminal cases including interviewing clients, providing support to attorneys and investigators, assisting with investigations, among other clerical tasks and responsibilities.  College interns will be invited to observe courtroom proceedings on a regular basis and trials when they are available.

Semester Internships (available to law students as well)

All semester internships are for academic credit, and accordingly unpaid.  Schedules must remain consistent throughout the semester in accordance with academic responsibilities, typically, for a minimum of 8 hours per week.

• Fall Academic Semester Internship (August-December): Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis until July 1st. Offers to be extended by August 1st.
• Spring Academic Semester Internship (January-May): Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis until November 1st. Offers to be extended by December 1st.

Application Process: Applicants must submit a cover letter explaining your interest in public service, resume and academic transcript. Only complete applications will be reviewed. Applications must be emailed to publicdefender-criminal@oneidacountyny.gov using "Semester Internship Opportunity" in the subject line.

Summer Internships

Summer internships are coordinated through the Oneida County Workforce Development office.  This internship allows a student to work a maximum total of 200 hours.  Summer interns, not earning college credit, will be compensated at $15/hour (2024 rate).

Application Process for College Internships:

Applicants must apply through the Oneida County employment portal; follow the link here.  Through the portal, you will submit an application along with your resume.  If you have any questions or problems submitting your application, please contact Art Rapp, Job Development & Placement Manager, at arapp@oneidacountyny.gov or 315-798-3679.

Applicants seeking a Summer Internship should be received by April 15th. Efforts will be made to extend offers by May 1st.