The Center for Appellate Litigation (“CAL”), a non-profit public defender office handling appeals and other post-conviction matters, is seeking a part-time, unpaid intern for our Parole Advocacy Project for Fall 2023.

As part of our mission to provide holistic support to our clients, our Parole Advocacy Project brings clients, attorneys, and other CAL staff together to compile a comprehensive submission to the Parole Board in cases in which the Board has discretion to grant parole release. Interns assist the Parole Team in preparing and submitting parole advocacy letters, which present a rounded picture of our clients to the Board. Interns also help clients prepare for appearances before the Board.

The internship, slated to begin in September 2023, will involve assisting in the preparation of parole advocacy/mitigation packets for clients;

• aiding in requesting records;
• procuring letters of support; and
• helping clients prepare for their upcoming parole hearings.

Responsibilities will include working proactively with the Parole Team staff. An ideal Parole Advocacy Intern can work both independently and collaboratively, is focused, detail-oriented, and deadline-conscious. The Parole Advocacy Intern should be prepared to speak and write to clients, their families, friends, and other references, as well as Department of Corrections and Community Supervision staff and other bureaucratic agencies on behalf of our clients’ interest. As such, applicants must have strong communication, writing, interpersonal, and time management skills and must possess a keen interest in advocating for people convicted of crimes.

The intern for the Fall of 2023 will work remotely.

Interested students should send a cover letter, resume, and a writing sample via email to internship@cfal.org. Cover letters should be addressed to Lauren J. Springer, Coordinating Attorney for Client Support Services. Multi-lingual interns are encouraged to apply. CAL particularly welcomes applications from people of color; people with disabilities; and gay, lesbian, and transgender people. We are looking for undergraduate juniors and seniors.