Job Responsibilities
As a law student intern within the Division of Criminal Justice, you will undertake various responsibilities under the supervision of an experienced prosecutor. These duties include:
- Calling the criminal court docket
- Handling arraignments
- Preparing and arguing bond motions
- Performing legal research
- Writing legal memoranda
- Participating in pre-trial conferences and plea negotiations
- Assisting with jury selection
- Meeting with witnesses and victims
Interns may also have the opportunity to participate in the preparation and conduct of jury trials. The internship is designed to provide law students with real-time, first-hand experience in the responsibilities and duties of a Connecticut prosecutor.
Education and Experience Information
To be eligible for the Summer Law Student Internship, applicants must:
- Have completed one full year at an American Bar Association-accredited law school
- Be in good academic standing
Additional requirements include:
- Commitment to a minimum of three days a week for six weeks during the summer
- Compliance with law schools' requirements for academic credit if participating in a for-credit internship during the academic year
- Passing a background check
Interns must also maintain strict confidentiality regarding the content of prosecutors' files and cases discussed in the prosecutors' offices. Professional attire and behavior are mandatory, along with showing respect for crime victims, witnesses, court personnel, office staff, defendants, and their attorneys. Students wishing to appear in court must meet the requirements of Practice Book Section 3-14, et. seq.
Salary Information
The rate of pay for the legal intern position is $22.00 per hour. All legal interns are responsible for coordinating any academic, scholarship, or grant benefits resulting from participation in the Program.
Application Process
Interested law students must submit the following materials:
- Application form
- Letter of interest, including the subject area of law or geographical location preference
- Resume
- Writing sample
- Most recent academic transcript
Applications can be submitted via email or U.S. Mail. The deadlines for submission are:
- Fall Semester – September 15
- Spring Semester – January 15
- Summer Semester – April 15 (applications for the Summer Semester will be accepted throughout the school year up until April 15)
The Division of Criminal Justice is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer.
The internship provides a valuable opportunity for law students interested in criminal justice and public service to gain practical experience and insight into the workings of the criminal justice system in Connecticut.
