Law Internships

Located in San Francisco and established in 1998, the Habeas Corpus Resource Center is a judicial branch entity that provides direct legal representation to death row inmates in post-conviction proceedings in state and federal courts in California. Litigation of a capital appeal and habeas corpus proceeding is a complex and time-consuming undertaking. Counsel appointed to represent death-sentenced prisoners in the automatic appeals review extensive trial records, and research and prepare voluminous briefs based on state and federal statutory and constitutional law. The HCRC has an authorized staff of 86 people, including 34 attorneys.

Interns assist case teams in all facets of the representation of death row inmates in post-conviction proceedings. Knowledge of substantive and procedural legal principles of criminal and constitutional law, provisions of the United States and California Constitutions, and the rules of evidence and conduct of proceedings in California courts is helpful but not required. Aside from a strong set of communication and analytical skills, applicants should possess intellectual agility, excellent writing abilities, acumen for research, and cultural sensitivity, and must be appropriately discreet with confidential information. If you speak a language other than English, particularly Spanish, please note the language in your resume. The HCRC generally accepts up to eight interns per internship period. Both rising 2Ls and 3Ls are considered for summer internship positions. Pursuant to California judicial branch policy, interns must be eligible to work in the United States.

Because we are unable to provide compensation to interns at this time, we will work with applicants in obtaining academic credit through their schools for semester and summer internships. For summer internships, applicants may seek funding through their law school and other sources. The summer internship is full-time (40 hours per week) for 10 weeks, beginning – in either the last week of May or first week of June – with an integrated training with other Bay Area capital defense offices. The fall and spring semester internships are 16 hours minimum per week for 10 to 12 weeks. Interns are involved in trainings and other opportunities for skill development throughout their internships.

Applications are accepted and reviewed on a rolling basis until all positions are filled. Applicants are strongly encouraged to submit their materials as soon as possible after the application period begins.

• Summer internship: Applications are accepted beginning September 1 for the following summer term.
• Fall internship: Applications are accepted beginning March 1 for the following fall term.
• Spring internship: Applications are accepted beginning October 1 for the following spring term.

The Habeas Corpus Resource Center is an equal opportunity employer. The HCRC believes that a diverse workforce and inclusive workplace culture enhances the performance of our organization and the quality of representation that we provide to a diverse client base. The HCRC welcomes all applicants, and does not discriminate on the basis of race, religious creed, color, national origin, ancestry, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, age, sexual orientation, or military and veteran status, or any other basis protected by law.

Applicants are encouraged to apply via e-mail by submitting the following documents combined into one PDF with the title format “Your Last Name, Your Year in Law School” (e.g. Smith, 2L): (1) a cover letter, (2) your resume, (3) a writing sample (a legal memorandum or excerpt that is no more than seven pages), and (4) the names and telephone numbers of three references familiar with your skills. In the cover letter, explain how your life experience, training, and work experience have prepared you and enhance your ability to work with and understand our clients and their communities.

Email your completed application to internapplications@hcrc.ca.gov with your last name in the subject line. Qualified candidates whose backgrounds best meet the needs of the HCRC will be invited to an interview either in person or via telephone depending upon the applicant’s location. Questions regarding the HCRC Internship Program can be submitted to intern-committee2@hcrc.ca.gov.