Legal Intern Spring 2026 (prison Legal Services Section)

Legal Intern Spring 2026 (Prison Legal Services Section)

The Office of the Ohio Public Defender (OPD) is seeking a motivated legal intern who would work primarily with attorneys at the Lorain Correctional Institution. The legal intern will assist attorneys in the Prison Legal Services section in providing zealous, empathetic, and committed advocacy for incarcerated indigent individuals in Ohio. You will work under the supervision of OPD attorneys and work collaboratively and be mentored by attorneys and support staff on a range of legal advocacy, including meeting with clients and providing representation in matters related to violation hearings, parole, prison, and criminal law.

We are seeking a current 2L or 3L student with a legal intern certificate who has demonstrated a commitment to public defense and social justice and who is interested in working with people who are incarcerated in a prison setting. Your job duties include but are not limited to:

• Reviewing discovery materials for parole and post-release control violation hearings.
• Contacting relevant witnesses and gathering relevant evidence.
• Observing panel hearings or full board parole hearings for clients seeking release onto parole after decades in prison and sharing questions and feedback with attorneys.
• Conducting legal research, including locating relevant case law for violation hearing defenses and answering legal questions.
• Under supervision of a licensed attorney:
  • Represent clients at post-release control violation hearings.
  • Conduct interviews with clients on phone or in-person.
• Conduct factual investigations, review case material, and analyze pending cases.
• Accompany staff attorneys to client visits, oral arguments, or other proceedings.
• Participate in department meetings, moot courts, roundtables, and agency-wide meetings.

You will enjoy flexible scheduling based around your school or work schedule and work 10-20 hours per week during the 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM hours. The position does require in-office time; work-from-homes will also be available, as approved. The duration of this paid internship is planned for January through May 2026; there may be the opportunity to continue the internship on a modified schedule into the summer.

*Please upload a cover letter and your legal intern certificate to your application. In your letter, please include the number of hours per week you're able to work.*

This position is an intermittent position that pays $22.96 per hour. There may also be annual cost of living adjustments.

The Office of the Ohio Public Defender complies with federal and state disability laws and makes reasonable accommodations for applicants and employees with disabilities. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, please contact us at 614-466-5394 or HCM@opd.ohio.gov.