Public Defender Application Process Roundtable

Are you a rising 3L or current clerk that plans to apply for entry-level roles at public defender offices beginning in fall 2026? Want to know what to expect and how to put your best foot forward? If so, please plan to attend a virtual roundtable on July 21st at 8pm ET. On hand will be a group of alumni who successfully navigated the public defender application and interview process and can offer advice on everything from application strategy to weighing offer decisions. Catherine Pattanayak, Assistant Dean for Public Service, will moderate and there will be time for participants to ask questions, as well.

Please register to attend.

Potential topics include:

• Strategies for researching and selecting offices that align with your values and/or goals
• What makes for a compelling application
• Interviews/the interview process and preparation
• Insights on the first year of practice, office culture, supervision, training and workload
• Advice on managing offers and navigating rejection

Panelists include:

• Apoorva Krishnan ‘23, Deputy Public Defender at Colorado State Public Defender
• Faith Blank ‘24, Assistant Public Defender at Nashville Defenders
• Matt Goldkind ‘22, Assistant Public Defender at Miami-Dade Public Defender’s Office
• Bernice Kwan ‘22, Staff Attorney at Brooklyn Defender Services