Please download the PDF position advertisement for a vacancy and follow the instructions within to submit your application.
Updated October 25, 2024.
The CHU represents individuals who have been convicted of a capital crime in Florida and who seek post-conviction relief in federal court. We value serving our clients through skilled collaboration, compassionate advocacy, and creativity. We value having a staff that reflects the community we are serving and encourage people from diverse backgrounds to apply. We value working with resiliency, initiative, and enthusiasm.
CHU Legal Interns will work exclusively on death penalty cases and related matters. This representation necessarily intersects with intellectual disability, mental health, and substance abuse issues, and interns can expect some cross-disciplinary projects and experience. Responsibilities include assisting attorneys, investigators, and mitigation specialists with all aspects of legal and factual development and case preparation.
Tasks include researching and writing on capital litigation issues, participating in case strategy sessions, requesting records and documents, drafting legal memoranda, compiling detailed chronologies of information, and examining and analyzing records. Strong research and writing ability, people skills, initiative, and a commitment to equal justice are required.
This position may be paid contingent on funding. Students may opt to receive externship credit or pro bono hours in lieu of payment. Students opting in for payment may not be receiving outside funding or completing the internship for externship credit. This opportunity is open to students who have demonstrated an interest in public service, human rights and/or social justice issues. Prior coursework in criminal law is preferred, but not necessary. Final candidates will be subject to a background check as required under the policy now in effect for the Administrative Office of the United States Courts.
To apply, please submit a resume, cover letter/statement of interest, and a writing sample not to exceed 12 pages in a single PDF. Please address the cover letter to Linda McDermott, CHU Chief.
The Federal Public Defender for the Northern District of Florida is seeking a for-credit or volunteer Investigative Intern(s) in the Capital Habeas Unit. The CHU represents indigent, death-sentenced prisoners who are seeking post-conviction relief in federal court. The CHU provides legal representation in federal habeas corpus proceedings and related matters. This internship is open to all undergraduate and graduate students who have a demonstrated interest in public service, human rights, and/or social justice issues. Strong research and writing ability, people skills, initiative, and a commitment to equal justice are required.
The Investigative Intern will work exclusively on death penalty cases. This representation necessarily intersects with intellectual disability, mental health, and substance abuse issues, and the intern can expect some cross-disciplinary projects and experience. The Investigative Intern’s responsibilities will include but not limited to the following:
The CHU is located in Tallahassee, Florida. We offer Full time (30-40 hours a week) internships in the Fall/Spring/Summer, and we require the internship to be in person. If interested in this internship opportunity, please submit a cover letter, your resume, and a minimum of two letters of recommendation. The internship will remain open until filled, but early applications are strongly encouraged. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. This internship is also conditioned on a favorable background check as required by the Administrative Office of the United States Courts.