Paralegal Internship Program
The Office of the Federal Public Defender for the Middle District of Florida is pleased to partner with paralegal or criminal justice undergraduate programs to provide meaningful criminal defense training experience. Students interested in gaining paralegal experience in a federal defender setting are encouraged to apply. We are pleased to work with accredited institutions and programs so that students may receive course credit for their work with our office.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Federal Defender Office?
The Federal Defender’s Office is a branch of the U.S. Courts and operates under authority of the Criminal Justice Act, 18 U.S.C. Section 3006A, to provide indigent defense services in federal criminal cases and related matters. In fulfilling this goal, the Federal Defender enforces the rights of those charged with criminal offenses who cannot afford to retain counsel.
Paralegals play a critical role on the legal defense team by reviewing discovery and pleadings, identifying potential theories of defense and the evidence that may support or refute those theories, and assisting AFPDs with court hearings such as evidentiary hearings, trials and sentencings.
Who May Apply?
Undergraduate students of any year may apply for an internship. Preference will be given to students pursuing a paralegal degree or certificate or those pursuing a criminal justice degree. Students will be selected on the basis of their past work experience or schoolwork, their desire to work in the area of criminal defense and demonstrated level of maturity and commitment to the intern program and the Office of the Federal Public Defender.
Only qualified applicants will be considered for the intern program. Applicants must be U.S. Citizens or eligible to work in and for the United States. Applicants selected for interviews must travel at their own expense. This position is subject to a background investigation; therefore, the successful candidate will undergo a mandatory criminal background check investigation, which may include the completion of fingerprint checks. The Federal Defender’s Office is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Do you provide accommodations?
The FDO provides reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation, please notify Human Resources at (813) 228-2715. The decision to grant reasonable accommodations will be made on a case-by-case basis.
Where are internships available?
The Middle District of Florida has a limited number of placements in the Tampa and Orlando Divisions.
What are the application deadlines?
The deadlines to submit your request is the 1st day of the month for each of the following terms:
Spring Semester: November
Fall Semester: June
Is the orientation date mandatory?
Yes, if the student is accepted into the internship program, the state date and orientation training is mandatory. There will be no exceptions. Students who cannot attend may not participate in the program.
What's the time commitment?
All interns are expected to commit to work the specific number of hours per week agreed upon by the school program and this Office. The student will be asked to commit to the number of hours agreed upon by the assigned supervisor with this Office. The Federal Defender’s Office for the Middle District of Florida is open to the public between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, except federal holidays.
What will an intern do?
Students will have the unique opportunity to receive hands-on experience supporting federal criminal defense through paralegal case work under the direct supervision of the Chief Paralegal, the Deputy Chief Paralegal or an experienced paralegal specialist. All tasks and client-related activities are performed only under supervision and in accordance with the intern’s training and the Office’s policies. Interns may:
- Collaborate with the defense team on defense theories and strategies
- Meet with clients and their families in an office setting, jail setting, or private residence setting (always escorted)
- Draft written work-product such as memoranda, summaries, timelines, or courtroom presentations (reviewed and approved by supervisors)
- Observe court proceedings such as hearings, trial and sentencings
- Review discovery and case pleadings
Is an intern supervised/evaluated?
All interns are supervised by an experienced paralegal supervisor or designated paralegal specialist assigned by the Federal Defender in the division they wish to serve. The supervising paralegal professional is responsible for all day-to-day activities, task assignments, and oversight. Students will only be allowed in local jail facilities while escorted by authorized staff. Tasks will be assigned in accordance with the student’s skills and educational goals. Students will receive informal feedback and, if requested, a formal evaluation of their performance at the end of the term.
What should I wear?
Attire will always reflect the professionalism this organization aspires to. While no formal dress code exists and casual dress is permitted, all employees are expected to dress in a manner appropriate for the business of the office. Whenever an employee chooses to dress in a casual manner, the employee shall have available in the office attire appropriate for court or other needs which may arise unexpectedly. Every employee attending court proceedings will wear business attire and comply with any local rules of practice. The Internship Director and/or Intern Supervisors may direct the dress code for the business of the day.
Can I get compensated?
This is a non-paid position. The intern will not receive remuneration or compensation of any kind for services rendered to the Office of the Federal Defender. The intern will be responsible for parking arrangements at their own expense. In addition, This Office is not responsible for any personal property brought into the office or carried in any vehicle on official business. No payment will be made for property stolen from the official duty station or left unattended in any part of a motor vehicle while on official business.
Can I talk about what happens?
You can discuss your experiences with others, but you cannot divulge confidential communications or work product information. Client case files and records are confidential and not to be released without consent of this Office. Interns, like staff, are expected to make every effort to confine such discussions or communications to areas which can reasonably be expected to be private. All interns must adhere to strict confidentiality standards.
How to apply?
Fill out the internship application form here.