The ABA Death Penalty Representation Project provides unpaid internships for Fall, Spring and Summer semester undergraduate and law students. In the Fall and Spring semesters, internships are full or part time (15 to 20+ hours per week) and in the Summer, internships are full time (35 to 40 hours per week). Interns can complete an internship for course credit. Previous experience with or knowledge of the death penalty is not required.

To Apply:
Send cover letter, resume, writing sample, and 3 references to us at or the following address:
740 15th Street, NW
7th Floor
Washington, DC 20005.

Deadline:
We accept applications on a rolling basis.

What We Do:
The ABA created the Project in 1986 in order to better inform the bar and public about the lack of representation available to death row inmates. We address this urgent need by recruiting competent, volunteer attorneys, offering counsel training and assistance, and working for systemic reform to ensure that individuals facing a sentence of death are represented at every stage of the proceedings by competent counsel.

• Legal research: Interns conduct research and respond to inquiries regarding current case law for amicus curiae briefs and attorneys with death penalty cases.


• Policy research: The Project promotes systemic change in the capital defense system. Interns research state and federal statutory law in relation to the appointment of counsel, standards, compensation, and procedure.


• Case summaries: The Project recruits volunteer lawyers to represent indigent inmates on death row. Interns research the cases of unrepresented inmates and help prepare case summaries provided to law firms considering pro bono cases.


• Inmate letters: The Project receives hundreds of letters from inmates and their loved ones requesting assistance. Interns are responsible for researching the facts of the case and for responding to these inquiries.


• Website: The Project maintains a website that contains resources for attorneys representing capital defendants. Interns are responsible for summarizing recent court opinions, training events and news to be posted on the site.


• Administrative: The Project is staffed by only three people, and everyone is involved in the day-to-day office management. Interns take an active role in the office and assist in tracking news clippings and updating files.