Summer Legal Internship – 2027 (10‑week, California Death Penalty Cases)

About the role

The California Appellate Project (CAP) is seeking a small cohort of motivated students for a 10‑week, full‑time summer internship in 2027. Interns will work under the supervision of an experienced post‑conviction attorney, providing critical support on death‑row cases in California.

Key responsibilities

• Conduct legal research and draft memoranda on evidentiary issues.
• Gather, organize, and analyze trial transcripts, witness lists, and expert testimony.
• Assist in creating litigation chronologies, outlines, and resource compilations.
• Summarize penalty‑phase transcripts and evaluate crime‑scene evidence.
• Prepare written pieces on policy topics such as media gag rules.

Required profile

• Current enrollment in a law‑school or related graduate program.
• Strong interest in criminal defense and post‑conviction work.
• Demonstrated ability to handle detailed documentary work.
• Commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Required skills

What we offer

• Intensive legal training week at the start of the internship.
• Hands‑on experience with high‑stakes appellate work.
• Potential for remote access depending on project needs.
• Mentorship from seasoned post‑conviction attorneys.