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. Because of its resources, well-regarded training program, and institutional practice knowledge, PDS lawyers handle the most serious criminal cases consistent with the best practices of the legal profession.

PDS is accepting applications from first and second-year law students for the 2027 summer program. The clerkship program dates are Tuesday, June 1, to Friday, August 6, 2027. On a case-by-case basis, PDS offers a limited number of split summer opportunities. If applying for the split program, address your reason(s) for splitting as well as the name of or type of organization where you plan to work for the balance of the summer.

Unpaid positions are available in all of our legal divisions. Applicants interested in the Trial Division may choose either the Law Clerk or Legal Research & Writing Clerk position. Law Clerks are assigned to work with one or two trial attorneys for the duration of the program. Legal Research and Writing Clerks serve as ‘floaters’, supporting those trial attorneys preparing for or engaged in trials. Applicants interested in other divisions should review the division descriptions on our website to understand the specialized work of each group.

Consolidate your application materials into a single PDF and upload it 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 each reference can speak to your candidacy, and (5) an unofficial law school transcript or grade list.

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

 

Please review the divisions and their work by reviewing the descriptions under the 'legal services divisions' tab on the PDS website homepage.

Law clerk duties vary depending on the assigned division. 

First- and second-year law students.

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 issues, 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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Uncompensated