Overview

ABOUT THE INNOCENCE PROJECT

The Innocence Project works to free the innocent, prevent wrongful convictions, and create fair, compassionate, and equitable systems of justice for everyone. Our work is guided by science and grounded in anti-racism. Since our inception, the Innocence Project has used DNA and other scientific advancements to prove wrongful conviction. To date, we have helped to free or exonerate more than 250 people who, collectively, spent more than 3,600 years behind bars. Our efforts have led to the passage of more than 200 transformative state laws and federal reforms. Today, the Innocence Project continues to fight for freedom, drive structural change, and advance the innocence movement. To learn more, please visit www.innocenceproject.org.

ABOUT THE POSITION

The Post-Conviction Litigation (“PCL”) Department Summer 2025 Law Student Interns will work to support the litigation and direct client representation provided by the staff of the PCL Department which, collectively, represents nearly 200 people wrongfully convicted of crimes around the country.

PCL Summer Law Student Interns will gain hands-on experience working directly with clients and communities impacted by wrongful convictions. Interns will work with their supervising attorneys on active post-conviction cases to help prepare written motions, develop litigation strategy, communicate with courts, prosecutors, and other criminal legal system stakeholders, and prepare for evidentiary hearings.

This position will be an in-person 10-week paid internship with a minimum requirement of 40 hours per week. The internship will commence on May 27, 2025 and will end on August 1, 2025.

All Innocence Project employees must embrace, respect and value the rich diversity of perspectives and experience of a diverse and heterogeneous staff. We recognize and appreciate that our work is better for having varied participants and thought partners.

We are interested in every qualified candidate who is eligible to work in the United States. However, we are not able to sponsor visas.

THE IDEAL CANDIDATE

The ideal candidate for this internship is passionate about racial justice, is eager to learn directly about post-conviction litigation, is a clear communicator, and is an excellent legal researcher and writer.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

Job duties include, but are not limited to:

  • Supporting post-conviction litigation docket through legal research, memo writing, and creating discovery and/or trial transcript digests;
  • Assisting in writing claims or entire motions for post-conviction DNA testing and/or post-conviction relief;
  • Developing investigation plans;
  • Communicating with clients and their families

QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE

  • Rising 2L or 3L
  • Demonstrated interest in indigent defense, racial justice, and innocence work
  • Strong legal research and persuasive writing skills
  • Must be legally authorized to work in the U.S.

KEY COMPETENCIES + VALUES

  • Client-centered approach to legal representation
  • Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment Excellent analytic and writing skills, and ability to construct cogent arguments
  • Great interpersonal and verbal communication skills
  • Commitment to practicing inclusion within the office using a personal approach that values all individuals and respects differences in regards to race, ethnicity, age, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, religion, disability and socio-economic circumstance
  • Enthusiasm for the work of the Innocence Project and for social justice, including a demonstrated commitment to public interest
  • Shares in the IP’s values of accountability, collaboration, empathy + compassion, equity, person-centeredness, quality focus, and self-awareness

WORKFORCE DIVERSITY AND EQUAL OPPORTUNITY

The Innocence Project considers the diversity of its workforce to be vital to our organization’s success in meeting its mission. We strongly encourage applicants from all cultures, races, educational backgrounds, life experiences, socio-economic classes, sexual orientations, age, gender, and physical abilities to apply. Individuals with personal connections to the criminal legal system are strongly encouraged to apply.

As an Equal Opportunity Employer, it is our policy not to discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, familial status, marital status, predisposing genetic characteristics, actual or perceived domestic violence victim status, unemployment status, caregiver status, or any other category protected by law.

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS

To apply, please upload a cover letter expressing your interest in the role and the organization’s work, and a resume titled with your name (last name. first name. cover letter/resume). Only applications with cover letters will be considered complete applications. Information submitted through this secure site is kept confidential. Due to the large volume of applications, we are unable to give applicant updates by phone or direct email.

  • *Applications for this position will be considered on a rolling basis until the post is filled.**

COMPENSATION

$16.50 – $21 per hour

For students who are not eligible for public service summer stipend funding through their law school, the Innocence Project will provide funding.

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