2026 Post Conviction Litigation Summer Law Student Intern

2026 Post Conviction Litigation Summer Law Student Intern

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 2026 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 working no more than 40 hours per week. The internship will commence on May 26, 2026 and will end on July 31, 2026.

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

KEY COMPETENCIES + VALUES

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 visit Workable, 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.

COMPENSATION

$19.50 per hour

Required

Preferred

Job Industries