LAW SCHOOL STUDENTS:

The Tennessee Office of the Post-Conviction Defender (OPCD) in Nashville provides legal representation to indigent death-sentenced inmates in post-conviction and other collateral proceedings throughout the state of Tennessee. The OPCD invites law students to apply for full-time, unpaid summer internships for a ten-week period. The OPCD is flexible in establishing work schedules that are tailored to the interests and availability of the individual interns. Our interns assist attorneys in all stages of client representation including:

  • Researching constitutional, criminal, and civil rights issues;

  • Interviewing witnesses and visiting clients on death row;

  • Reviewing and organizing records and discovery materials;

  • Consulting with expert witnesses; and

  • Preparing cases for pleadings, evidentiary hearings, and appellate arguments.

Interns may also have to opportunity to attend court proceedings throughout the state of Tennessee, tour the Riverbend Maximum Security Institution (which houses Tennessee’s death row) and the Middle Tennessee Mental Health Institute, and participate in trainings on capital punishment, criminal defense, and career development.

Interested students should e-mail a cover letter addressing your interest in capital defense, a resume, a list of references, an unofficial law school transcript (if available), and a brief writing sample to intern@tnpcdo.net. 

People of color and other minorities underrepresented in the legal profession are especially encouraged to apply. Preference is typically given to second-year law students, but law students of all levels are accepted.

Applicants should apply early as internships are competitive and are filled on a rolling basis.

UNDERGRADUATE AND OTHER SECONDARY DEGREE STUDENTS:

OPCD will begin accepting applications for summer 2023 in January.

OPCD is unable to offer paid internships at this time. OPCD regularly works with interns on a for-credit basis in conjunction with their school and has in the past assisted students who have secured grants for their internship at our agency.

To apply, please send your resume and cover letter to intern@tnpcdo.net