The Federal Defender Program for the Middle District of Alabama provides representation to persons charged with federal crimes in the twenty-three southeastern counties of Alabama and to people on Alabama’s death row whose appeals are entering federal habeas. This office also offers training and educational programs to lawyers and students seeking to learn more about federal criminal practice.

This office offers non-law student internships each semester, including during the summer, to graduate and undergraduate students who possess excellent research and writing skills and demonstrate an interest in providing services to indigent individuals in the federal criminal system. Interns in the past have included students with majors in Criminal Justice, Social Work, Paralegal Studies, History, and Public Administration. No particular major is required.

Interns may receive training and orientation after which they will provide assistance to attorneys and other office staff as requested at all stages of client representation. Assignment of particular tasks will depend on the prior experience and skill of the individual intern. Duties may include assisting in interviews of clients, client family members, and/or witnesses; organizing case materials; contacting community resources, developing appropriate referrals for services; and assistance with mail delivery, filing, copying and other office tasks.

Compliance with the confidentiality responsibilities of the attorney-client relationship is mandatory and must include a signed confidentiality agreement. All applicants must have a car, driver’s license and appropriate motor vehicle insurance.

This office will comply with the supervision or record-keeping required for school credit. The Federal Defender Program is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes applications from all qualified people, regardless of sex, race, national origin, sexual orientation, religion or disability.

Applicants should submit, by mail or fax, a resume with a contact address and phone number, short writing sample, and the names and phone numbers of references, to:

Christine A. Freeman Executive Director
Federal Defender Program, Inc.
817 South Court Street Montgomery, Alabama 36104
FAX: 334-834-0353