Public Defender Fellowship Intern/Attorney
FELLOWSHIP INTERN / ATTORNEY
This is an exciting opportunity for recent law school graduates and current 3L students who will graduate in May 2026 and take the July 2026 Connecticut Bar Exam. During the Fellowship period, employees will be conducting the business of the Division in the courtroom and with client and will participate in extensive new attorney training.
Duties and Responsibilities:
Defends indigent clients; advises clients of rights and responsibilities; appear with and for clients at all court hearings; review, evaluate and determine legal motions, pleas and other legal action on behalf of clients; negotiate plea negotiations and other agreements with Prosecutors and Judges; assist individuals impacted by mental illness and substance abuse; order investigations and subpoenas; requests social work services; study and interpret laws, court decisions and other legal authorities; transport, quickly read, analyze and comprehend numerous files, including those related to complex cases, under tight deadlines and in crowded and noisy environment; interview witnesses; prepare briefs, motions and other legal documents; represent clients at jury or court trials; keeps up to date on developments in law practice and attends training; develops and maintains relationships with outside agencies.
Perform other related duties as assigned.
Qualifications:
To be considered for a position, applicants must be admitted to the Connecticut Bar or be a law student graduating in May 2026 and sitting for the July 2026 administration of the Connecticut Bar. Applicants must be a certified legal intern or eligible to become a certified legal intern. Preference for candidates with experience in criminal defense. Candidates who are offered a position, are working successfully in the role, pass the Connecticut Bar Exam in July 2026, and are subsequently admitted to the Connecticut Bar will be offered a permanent position within the Division.
Starting Salary:
Certified Legal Interns: $33.50 per hour (represents 75% of Deputy Assistant Public Defender salary)
Admitted Attorneys: $93,275 annually
Application Process:
Applicants must submit an application package (one document PDF) to ocpdhr@pds.ct.gov containing the following:
1. Letter of interest
2. Current resume
3. Attorney application supplement or attorney application graduate supplement
4. Employment application
5. Attorney reference form
6. Attorney location choices
All forms can be obtained from the Division’s website:
https://portal.ct.gov/OCPD/Employment/Employment-Opportunities
Applications will be considered on a rolling basis. This posting will close March 15, 2026, or when all positions are filled, whichever is sooner.