For more than 60 years, PDS has led the nation in providing exceptional advocacy and legal representation for indigent adults and children. Judges and prosecutors, as well as public defender agencies and state bar associations across the country, acknowledge and respect the outstanding work of PDS’s attorneys. PDS is recognized as one of the few defender organizations in the world to meet the standards outlined in the American Bar Association’s Ten Principles of a Public Defense Delivery System.

PDS is a federally funded, independent organization governed by an 11-member board of trustees. Founded as the Legal Aid Agency in 1960, PDS was established as the successor to LAA in 1970 by a federal statute enacted to comply with the constitutional mandate to provide defense counsel for people who cannot afford an attorney. 

A major portion of the work of PDS consists of representing individuals in the District of Columbia’s local criminal legal system who are charged with committing serious criminal acts and who are eligible for court-appointed counsel. In the District of Columbia, public defense services are provided primarily by PDS (the “institutional defender”) and a panel of private attorneys, known as Criminal Justice Act (CJA) attorneys, who are screened for membership on the panel and paid on a case-by-case basis by the D.C. courts.


 


 

Experience interning at public defender or criminal defense-adjacent, civil legal services or other public interest organizations. Participation in law school clinics or experience advocating on behalf of low-income clients in any context. Students with customer service, teaching, counseling and other backgrounds who developed relevant or transferable skills that can support the work of PDS are encouraged to apply. If, because of financial constraints or other barriers, you have been unable to participate in the type of work that would demonstrate your commitment to our mission, please address that in your cover letter.

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Students interested in school year clerkships must be enrolled in an externship course or pro bono program sponsored by their law school.

Consolidate your application materials as a single PDF and upload the document where indicated. Your application should include: (1) a cover letter explaining why you wish to work at the Public Defender Service for the District of Columbia, (2) a legal resume, (3) a legal writing sample, (4) a list of three references with contact information and an explanation of how they can speak to your candidacy, and (5) an unofficial transcript or typed grade list.


If you have any questions about the application process or the spring clerkship program, contact us at [email protected]