Orange County Public Defender

Nav Bar Image

OCPD Logo

Volunteer-Student Internship Program
OCPD Student Internship Program Image

The volunteer-student internship program at the Offices of the Orange County Public Defender is a hands-on learning experience involving contact with attorneys, investigators, interviewers and clients. The program is designed to familiarize interns with the work of deputy public defenders and the criminal justice system.

The program allows interns to observe legal proceedings and participate in the work of the criminal defense team.

Interns have the opportunity to observe court hearings and law office work including:

Courtroom - image

Arraignment
Jury selection
Opening statement
Witness examination
Closing argument
Jury instruction
Sentencing

Interns work with attorneys, investigators, interviewers and support staff, and assist in preparing cases for trial. Interns learn legal research and writing skills, investigation and interview techniques, and gain valuable experience as part of the defense team.

Interview - image

Interns have the opportunity to observe and conduct client interviews. Volunteers learn to conduct an interview, establish rapport, ask relevant questions, and how to obtain pertinent information to assist in the defense of the client.

The OCPD Internship is open to students in law school or college who are interested in learning about the criminal justice system or who may be interested in a career in the Public Defenders Office or the criminal justice field.

Click here for more information on Legal Assistant Internships
in the Orange County Public Defenders Office

Orange County Volunteer Home Page

OCPD Home Page | Orange County Home Page