Interns work closely with our team of attorneys, social workers, paralegals, and investigators. Law Interns participate in all aspects of indigent legal representation including client interviews, arraignments, legal writing, plea negotiations, hearings, trials, and post-sentencing matters.

Interns work closely with our team of attorneys, social workers, paralegals, and investigators. Law Interns participate in all aspects of family court related indigent legal representation including client interviews, legal writing, resolution negotiations, hearings, and trials.

The Albany County Public Defender’s Office offers internships year round.

Spring, summer and fall terms each start with a mandatory orientation and training session.

• FALL TERM
  Typically runs from the third week in August to the first week in December
• SPRING TERM
  Typically runs from the third week in January to the first week in May
• SUMMER TERM
  Typically runs from the first week in June to the second week in August

For law students, we have 8 internship spots available and accept applications on a rolling basis until the positions are filled or 3 weeks before the start of the internship.

Our office requires completion of the first 2 semesters of law school to apply.  

Any law students interested in applying to the Albany County Public Defender’s Office Internship program, please email a resume and a cover letter to patricia.wilson@albanycountyny.gov and meaghan.speedling@albanycountyny.gov.

The Albany County Public Defender’s Office also offers Social Work field placement internship opportunities.

As a social work intern, you work closely with our mitigation team composed of peer advocates, mitigation specialists, and social workers. You also have direct contact with paralegals, attorneys, and investigators in the office.

You will participate in all aspects of mitigation and casework including intakes, client interviews, research, check-ins with clients, resource connection, mitigation letter writing, and medical record review.

To maximize the quality of representation that we provide our clients, we have entered into partnerships with the following educational institutions and public defense organizations.

Public Defense Organizations

• Gideon’s Promise
  A nonprofit public defender organization whose mission is to transform the criminal justice system by building a movement of public defenders who provide equal justice for marginalized communities. www.gideonspromise.org
• Partners for Justice
  Provides collaborative support services to people facing criminal charges, while helping public defenders protect people from incarceration and other criminal penalties. www.partnersforjustice.org

Educational Institutions

• Siena College Social Work Program
  Gain the skills and hands-on experience to make a real impact in your community with Siena’s nationally accredited Social Work program. Prepare to serve, advocate, and lead with confidence. www.siena.edu/programs/social-work
• SUNY Albany Social Welfare
  The social welfare program at the University at Albany is designed for outstanding students who want to pursue careers in which they can improve social conditions and enact social justice. www.albany.edu/ssw/field-education
• Albany Law School
  Albany Law School prepares graduates for general civil and criminal practice and offers a variety of graduate programs as well. www.albanylaw.edu