Law Internships

HCRC's Summer Internship Program

HCRC attorneys represent death row inmates in post-conviction habeas corpus proceedings in which we investigate and review the constitutionality of California capital convictions and sentences, and file petitions alleging the ways in which our clients’ constitutional rights were violated in their capital trial and sentencing procedures. Interns assist case teams in all facets of this work, attend a multi-day training program with interns from other Bay Area-based defense organizations, tour San Quentin State Prison, and participate in activities designed to introduce them to multiple contacts in the field of capital defense.

Applicants should possess strong research and writing abilities, communication skills, and cultural sensitivity, and must be appropriately discreet with confidential information. 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. The HCRC generally accepts up to six interns per internship period. Both rising 2Ls and rising 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 internships, and also accept applications for part-time internships that allow interns to work at a paying job while interning with the HCRC. Applicants may also seek funding through their law school and other sources. Our summer internship is either full-time (40 hours per week), or part-time (24 hours per week). The internship is ten weeks long, beginning – in either the last week of May or the first week of June – with an integrated training with other Bay Area capital defense offices. Interns are involved in trainings and other opportunities for skill development throughout their internships.

HCRC Academic Year Internships

HCRC also considers requests to intern during the academic year. Please follow the instructions below to apply to intern at the HCRC during the school year, and indicate in your cover letter the time period during which you would like to intern and the days and hours you would be available.

About HCRC

Located in San Francisco and established in 1998, the HCRC is a state judicial branch entity that provides direct legal representation to death row inmates in post-conviction proceedings in state and federal courts in California. Counsel appointed to represent death-sentenced prisoners in these proceedings review extensive trial records, conduct and supervise new investigation, and research and prepare petitions and briefs based on state and federal statutory and constitutional law. The HCRC has an authorized staff of 88 people, including 34 attorneys.

How to Apply

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, military or veteran status, or any other basis protected by law.

Applicants are encouraged to apply via e-mail by submitting the following documents to InternApplications@hcrc.ca.gov: (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, please explain how your life experiences, training, and work experience have prepared you and enhance your ability to work with teams litigating capital habeas corpus proceedings and to work with and understand our clients and their communities. If you speak a language other than English, particularly Spanish, please note the language in your resume.

Thank you for your interest in an internship opportunity with the Habeas Corpus Resource Center!