SADO Juvenile Lifer Unit Seeks Summer Interns

Applications considered through February 23, 2018
2018 SUMMER INTERNSHIP
(JUVENILE LIFER UNIT)

The State Appellate Defender Office (SADO) Juvenile Lifer Unit is seeking first and second year law students for full-time summer 2018 internships in the Detroit and Lansing offices.

SADO provides representation to indigent clients who appeal their state criminal convictions. The 2018 Juvenile Lifer Unit summer interns will work directly with the Juvenile Lifer Unit attorneys. SADO represents nearly two-thirds of Michigan’s 360 juvenile lifers currently serving unconstitutional sentences, and is responsible for developing mitigation and litigation strategies for resentencing hearings conducted pursuant to MCL 769.25a and Miller v Alabama, 567 US 460 (2012). SADO seeks qualified interns to work collaboratively within Juvenile Lifer Unit teams.

Internship Description

  • The SADO Juvenile Lifer Unit summer internship program runs from late May 2018 through early August 2018.
  • Interns will be assigned to a staff attorney in the Juvenile Lifer Unit.
  • Interns will assist attorneys with some combination of client communication, investigation, legal research, and trial court hearings, as well as drafting legal pleadings and mitigation memos, depending on the needs of the individual attorney.
  • Interns will read trial transcripts and lower court records and will accurately summarize relevant testimony and procedural history and submit fact memos to attorney in charge of case.
  • Interns will engage in legal research projects covering novel and creative legal issues surrounding the constitutionality of life without parole sentences against individuals who committed crimes as juveniles.
  • Interns may have the opportunity to attend trial court hearings and Court of Appeals arguments.
  • The interns will accompany attorneys to visit and counsel clients in the Michigan Department of Corrections.
  • The internship includes a training program and networking opportunities.
  • The internship is unpaid, but SADO will assist in securing course credit or fellowship funding.
The successful applicant should have an interest in criminal law and indigent defense, and strong research and writing skills. Interested law students should e-mail, as a single PDF file, a cover letter, résumé, writing sample, and transcript. Applicants should indicate whether they are interested in working in SADO’s Detroit or Lansing office. Application materials must be sent by e-mail to internships@sado.org.

Applications will be considered on a rolling basis and accepted through Friday, February 23, 2018.

Questions? E-mail internships@sado.org