Investigative Intern, Spring 2026

The Legal Aid Society's Criminal Defense Investigative Services Unit has unpaid internship opportunities for the Spring 2026 term.

 

The Legal Aid Society is built upon one simple but powerful belief that no New Yorker should be denied the right to equal justice. As the primary and oldest public defender in New York City, The Legal Aid Society’s staff zealously seek to deliver justice in every borough, working tirelessly to make our city a better place. We work to protect the rights of the most marginalized and disenfranchised in society. The expansive reach of The Legal Aid Society’s Criminal Defense Practice runs from its dynamic advocacy of clients in court to its presence and partnership in the communities. We have a unique opportunity for those who believe in our mission

 

The Spring 2026 Investigator Internship is a voluntary, unpaid, part-time opportunity running from January 20 to May 8, 2026. Interns are expected to commit to two weekdays of their choice (Monday–Friday, 9 AM–5 PM). This is an in-person program only; remote positions are not available. MetroCards will be provided to support fieldwork-related travel.This internship offers rigorous, hands-on experience in criminal defense investigation. Interns will work in pairs to conduct field investigations on misdemeanor cases throughout New York City. The program begins with comprehensive mandatory training, covering topics such as:

• Criminal Defense Fundamentals
• Interviewing Techniques
• Constitutional Law
• Ethics
• Memorializing Interviews
• Social Media Research
• Discovery Reform
• And more

Internship placements are available in our Bronx, Brooklyn, Manhattan, Queens, and Staten Island Trial Offices. These roles demand initiative, creativity, resourcefulness, and a strong dedication to criminal defense work. Interns will be equipped with the tools and support needed to succeed.

 

Application & Selection Process

Applicants should anticipate a virtual interview via Zoom or Microsoft Teams. Due to the high volume of applications and the competitive nature of the program, not all applicants will be interviewed. Some placements may be more selective than others. Notifications of acceptance will be sent on a rolling basis, with final decisions communicated by March 15, 2026.

 

Application Deadline is December 1st at 3:00 PM EST.

 

ESSENTIAL DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES

• Locate and interview complainants, witnesses, defendants, and other relevant parties
• Investigate crime scenes and other relevant locations
• Document scenes (via photographs, video recording, diagrams or measurements)
• Create crime scene sketches/diagrams/maps
• Prepare written summaries of investigation results via our case management system
• Conduct background checks, internet research, and social media investigations
• Accompany defense players to crime scenes and relevant locations and assist in their cases
• Locate and secure surveillance footage from varying locations and buildings
• Communicate daily with defense team
• Provide accurate, detailed reports on investigations; as well as maintaining other necessary documents (e.g., chain of custody, witness statements, investigation summaries, etc.)
• Travel within assigned borough as well as out-of-borough via mass transit
• Communicate with other members of staff/team to effectively analyze and discuss cases
• Review detailed and voluminous discovery
• Locate clients in-person, as needed
• Serve subpoenas, motions and other legal documents, as needed
• Other duties as assigned

TRAINING AND QUALIFICATIONS

• Current Undergraduate or Graduate Students in good standing
• Commitment to racially and socioeconomically oppressed communities
• Demonstrated interest in indigent defense
• Ability to work collegially and collaboratively with all members of the staff
• Strong writing, research and communication skills
• Ability to manage multiple tasks, deadlines, and think critically