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.

The Federal Defender Program for the Middle District of Alabama offers social work internship opportunities and field placement to social work students who possess excellent research and writing skills and demonstrate an interest in providing services to indigent individuals involved in the federal criminal justice system. Depending on a student’s skills and prior experience, a social work intern will assist in: (1) interviewing clients and family members of clients, (2) contacting community resources; (3) writing appropriate interview summaries, needs assessments, treatment plans, and case activity notes; (4) determining appropriate referrals; and (5) reviewing the effectiveness and success of client referrals.

Supervision will be provided by both a skilled professional with a masters in social work, staff attorneys, and investigators. Supervision includes weekly meetings with the MSW each week, review of all written work, participation in field work, in addition to consultation with staff attorneys and investigators on each individual case in which the intern is involved. This office will comply with the supervision or record-keeping required for an intern’s school credit.

Interns must agree to comply with social work ethics and the confidentiality responsibilities of the attorney-client relationship. Interns must sign a confidentiality agreement. Interns must also have a car, driver’s license and appropriate motor vehicle insurance. The Federal Defender Program is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes applications from minorities, women and persons with disabilities.

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