Criminal: Public Defender Offices
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Public defenders represent indigent defendants in criminal cases. Public defender offices exist at the federal, state, and local levels; there are also specialized offices that provide legal services in death penalty cases.
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Work Types
- Client-based
- Trial Litigation
- Appellate Litigation
- Legal Writing
How Do I Get There?
Most public defenders hire entry level lawyers for full-time work during their 3L or clerkship year.
Employers typically look for the following in candidates:
- Demonstrated commitment to the indigent
- Client-based skills, including cultural competency and ability to relate to indigent clients
- Litigation skills, particularly experience in oral advocacy and/or in-court experience
- Law school courses and clinical experiences focused on criminal justice/public defense
- Internships focused on criminal justice/public defense
- Writing skills, especially for appellate positions
- Language skills (particularly Spanish)
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Both prosecutors and public defenders have varying views on how they evaluate experience on the other side. In large cities or in competitive offices, employers typically dislike experience with the opposing side. This is especially true for public defenders, perhaps less so for prosecutors.
Many new law students are not sure which side will suit them best and want to explore by interning on both sides. While this is understandable, both sides are also seeking a commitment to their respective missions, which don’t always align. Shadowing an attorney for a couple days on each side might be a good option.