Student Applications

The Habeas Corpus Resource Center (HCRC) – a San Francisco judicial branch entity charged with providing direct legal representation to persons sentenced to death in capital post-conviction proceedings in California – is now accepting law student applicants for our Summer 2026 Intern Program.

HCRC's SUMMER INTERNSHIP PROGRAM

HCRC counsel 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. They review extensive trial records, conduct and supervise new investigation, research and prepare petitions and briefs based on state and federal statutory and constitutional law, and represent our clients in evidentiary hearings. HCRC has an authorized staff of 88 people, including 34 attorneys.

Interns assist case teams in all facets of this work, attend a multi-day training program with interns from other Bay Area defense organizations, and participate in activities designed to introduce them to multiple aspects of the field of capital defense. We are offering a temporary, paid, in-person internship program for up to three interns at our San Francisco office for Summer 2026.

LEGAL INTERN CLASS CHARACTERISTICS

This is the pre-professional level class in the HCRC legal series. Incumbents are responsible for performing legal research, legal drafting, and factual development at the direction of an HCRC attorney. This class is distinguished from Staff Attorney and Habeas Corpus Counsel classes in that the latter perform the full range of legal duties pursuant to their bar admission.

Information Sessions

We will hold a virtual information session to answer questions about our work and internship program. This optional session will be held on October 20, 2025, at 5pm PST / 8pm EST. Anyone who is interested can join the following Teams link at 5pm PST / 8pm EST on October 20: Join the meeting now

How to Apply

Applications are considered on a rolling basis, and HCRC will accept up to three interns in the Summer 2026 internship period.

Both rising 2Ls and rising 3Ls are considered for summer internship positions. Applications received by November 8, 2025 will be given priority. Applications submitted after that date will be reviewed if positions remain unfilled by applications in the priority consideration group. Pursuant to California judicial-branch policy, interns must be eligible to work in the United States.

Internship Description: (PDF)
Location: San Francisco, CA

To Apply: Please submit the following forms to jobapplications@hcrc.ca.gov:

  • a cover letter*
  • resume*
  • a writing sample (a legal memorandum or excerpt that is no more than seven pages)
  • three professional 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, externship, or fellowship opportunity with the Habeas Corpus Resource Center!