Interested in learning more about criminal law internships and careers? The following OPIA resources can help you begin your exploration.

• Start with the “What Is Public Interest Law?” section of our website, which includes overviews of both prosecution and public defense work.
• Our Career & Application Guides offer background information, “a-day-in-the-life” narratives, and general career advice from practicing attorneys.  Check out Sizing Up the Prosecution (local prosecution), The Fast Track to a US Attorney’s Office (federal prosecution), Careers in Indigent Defense: A Guide to Public Defender Programs (state and federal public defense), and the National Juvenile Defender Center’s Juvenile Defense Career Resource Guide (juvenile defense).
• Videos of past OPIA events feature panels with lawyers practicing criminal prosecution and defense and explain the public defender interviewing process.
• HLS Amicus connects student and alumni communities through one-to-one advising and group mentoring. You can also reach out to Heyman Fellows working as prosecutors and defenders to learn more about their careers. The Heyman Fellowship program offers financial support and a community of peers to a cohort of HLS graduates working in federal government.
• Make an individual advising appointment with OPIA advisers to discuss your specific skills and interests in criminal law.