0L Public Defender Internship Forum

[TheJanitor6203]

I'm applying to intern at the local PD office and I'm looking for some advice. I already asked in the "Future PD" thread but I haven't got a response yet and I want to submit my application by the end of the week.

First question. The application requires a writing sample. I know most 1/2L's use something they have done for school that is law related. I'm obviously not in that boat so I was planning on just using my personal statement for my ls applications. Thoughts?

Second question. The application requires that I submit a picture of myself with it. I have decided not to use the selfie I took of myself in the mirror flexing but I'm just unsure of what to do. Should I just find a nice spot at the park and have my wife take a waist-up picture of me in a suit? Go to an actual photo studio? Take a picture while walking towards the camera Ron Burgundy style?
I think I answer this question. I started looking at associates pictures on law firm websites. I think I'm going to go with something like this

Any other advice on the cover letter is welcome as well.

[Void]

I'm applying to intern at the local PD office and I'm looking for some advice. I already asked in the "Future PD" thread but I haven't got a response yet and I want to submit my application by the end of the week.

First question. The application requires a writing sample. I know most 1/2L's use something they have done for school that is law related. I'm obviously not in that boat so I was planning on just using my personal statement for my ls applications. Thoughts?

Second question. The application requires that I submit a picture of myself with it. I have decided not to use the selfie I took of myself in the mirror flexing but I'm just unsure of what to do. Should I just find a nice spot at the park and have my wife take a waist-up picture of me in a suit? Go to an actual photo studio? Take a picture while walking towards the camera Ron Burgundy style?
I think I answer this question. I started looking at associates pictures on law firm websites. I think I'm going to go with something like this

Any other advice on the cover letter is welcome as well.

Since you don't have any legal writing sample, just submit anything you've written that shows your ability to communicate clearly and concisely. If your personal statement is full of flowery, descriptive language, it might not be the best thing. If you have something simple but strong, that would be best.

Re: the photo, it's a weird request on their end. I think your best bet is what I like to call a LinkedIn shot- put on a jacket and tie and stand in front of a white wall and have your wife snap a picture from mid- torso. Don't forget to smile!

Cover letter should also be simple and straightforward. You can try googling some legal cover letters as a guide.

Bottom line is not to fret too much about this stuff- keep it professional but don't overdo it. The public defender will just want to know that you're a competent person who can follow directions who won't cause drama in the office by being a douche. My advice is to present yourself as a nice, down-to-earth person who acknowledges he knows nothing about the law, and is eager to learn and not afraid to do filing/photocopying/get coffee.

[TheJanitor6203]

Bottom line is not to fret too much about this stuff- keep it professional but don't overdo it. The public defender will just want to know that you're a competent person who can follow directions who won't cause drama in the office by being a douche. My advice is to present yourself as a nice, down-to-earth person who acknowledges he knows nothing about the law, and is eager to learn and not afraid to do filing/photocopying/get coffee.

Thanks for the advice, I really appreciate it. I think my cover letter does this. It basically says "I'll do anything!"

[Void]

Bottom line is not to fret too much about this stuff- keep it professional but don't overdo it. The public defender will just want to know that you're a competent person who can follow directions who won't cause drama in the office by being a douche. My advice is to present yourself as a nice, down-to-earth person who acknowledges he knows nothing about the law, and is eager to learn and not afraid to do filing/photocopying/get coffee.

Thanks for the advice, I really appreciate it. I think my cover letter does this. It basically says "I'll do anything!"

I peeked at your profile and noted that you're a veteran. I'm sure you are familiar with presenting yourself as efficient and low-drama!

[TheJanitor6203]

Efficient and drama-free is definitely my specialty. But I've been in the Army since I got out of high school so applying for a "real job" is new and intimidating.

[Void]

Efficient and drama-free is definitely my specialty. But I've been in the Army since I got out of high school so applying for a "real job" is new and intimidating.

Don't worry- most lawyers spent all their time between high school and law school drinking and acting like morons, while you were actually doing something valuable. When I was in college I worked the cash register at a convenience store, so I was definitely more clueless about professionalism than you are. Anyway, good luck!

Also, if this internship happens to be for an office in the northeast/New England, PM me.

[TheSpanishMain]

How are you doing an internship as a 0L? I'm intrigued.

[Void]

How are you doing an internship as a 0L? I'm intrigued.

My office sometimes has undergrad interns. It's not that unusual.

[TheSpanishMain]

How are you doing an internship as a 0L? I'm intrigued.

My office sometimes has undergrad interns. It's not that unusual.

Sure, but I recognized OP's name from the veteran's thread, so I assumed that he is, like me, 5+ years out of undergrad. I didn't know you could do an internship without being affiliated with a school.