Schedule
Year-round
Compensation
Unpaid
Academic credit
May be available through your school
Application
Email or mail
Choose your path
Opportunities by program and location.
Explore internships in our Litigation Units and Capital Habeas Unit.
Federal criminal defense
Available through the Cleveland, Akron, and Toledo offices. Work may include research, drafting, record review, investigation support, and observing federal proceedings.
Law, college, paralegal, social-work, and qualified senior high-school students
Capital habeas & clemency
Students may support matters involving federal habeas litigation, records, research, and clemency preparation.
Requirements depend on the student’s program and assignment
How to apply
Prepare the materials for your student category.
Apply early. Placement depends on office needs, an interview, and the Judiciary background-check process.
- Prepare a cover letter and résumé
Explain your interest in this office. Law students should state whether they have taken Criminal Procedure and Evidence. - Add the required supporting material
Law students: a writing sample of 12 pages or fewer. Other students: a list of courses taken in the relevant program. - Send the application
Email OHN_Intern_Employment@fd.org or mail it to the Internship Coordinator at the Cleveland office.
Internship coordinator
Ready to apply?
Send the required application materials by email or mail.
Mail: Federal Public Defender — Ohio Northern District
Attn: Internship Coordinator
1660 West Second Street, Suite 750
Cleveland, OH 44113