Semester Law Internship


This internship is a way for law students to gain firsthand exposure to trial and appellate litigation in the public sector. Students work closely with Assistant District Attorneys in the investigation, preparation, and prosecution of criminal cases in Manhattan. Depending on the assignment, students will help prosecutors prepare for hearings or trials of street crime cases such as larceny, domestic violence, sex crimes, narcotics, and homicides.  Students may also assist in the investigation and litigation of white-collar frauds and rackets cases, and will research and write trial or appellate briefs. We make a significant effort to match the student’s interests with their assignments.

  • Time Commitment: Students will be required to work at least one full day and a half day for a minimum of 12 hours weekly, with a minimum twelve-week commitment to the internship. All internships are in-person, and your weekly schedule must be consistent throughout the course of the semester.  
  • Eligibility: Second-year and first semester third-year law students are eligible for internship placement. Students may participate in only one internship opportunity (semester or summer) at our office. United States Citizenship is not required for interns but is required for post-graduate, full-time, Assistant District Attorney positions. All interns must be legally authorized to work in the United States and will be required to submit proof of eligibility.
  • Prerequisites: Students are required to have taken criminal law and constitutional law. Students are strongly encouraged to take evidence and criminal procedure.

The New York County District Attorney’s Office is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

The City of New York is an inclusive equal opportunity employer committed to recruiting and retaining a diverse workforce and providing a work environment that is free from discrimination and harassment based upon any legally protected status or protected characteristic, including but not limited to an individual’s sex, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, veteran status, gender identity, or pregnancy.

As a current or prospective employee of the City of New York, you may be eligible for federal loan forgiveness programs and state repayment assistance programs. Please review the notice to see if you may be eligible for programs and how to apply at nyc.gov/studentloans.

Second-year and first semester third-year law students who are interested in being considered for a semester internship should submit an application online. Applicants will be required to attach a cover letterresumelaw school transcript, writing sample, and the names and telephone numbers of three professional references. Cover letters should be addressed to:

Ms. Robin R. Edwards
Director, Legal Hiring Unit
New York County District Attorney’s Office
One Hogan Place
New York, NY 10013

All internships are for academic credit.  Please see your law school Internship Coordinator or Public Interest Office for more information.

We begin accepting applications for the Fall Semester on March 1 and the deadline is April 1. For Spring Semester we begin accepting applications on October 1 and the deadline is November 1. All submissions are due by 5:00 PM (EST). Interviews are scheduled on a rolling basis and students are encouraged to send their applications in before the deadline.

Applicants invited to interview must bring to the interview an official law school transcript, a writing sample, and a list of three academic or professional references. Offers are made on a rolling basis.

Current law students may apply online by clicking on the link below.  Please read all instructions carefully and hover over the question mark for more information. Documents should be in Word or PDF format. 

Semester Law Student Internship Application