We will begin accepting applications for volunteer positions again in 2026. Volunteer positions will be for 8-12 hours per week with preference for in-person volunteers. If you are a student seeking a summer internship at CDPL, please apply on our Summer Internships page. If you have questions or want more information, contact Barrie Wallace, barrie@cdpl.org.
I volunteered with Center for Death Penalty Litigation while completing my paralegal certificate program. I held a life-long interest in criminal law and thought this would be a great chance to get my feet wet in this area. Not only did I learn a great deal about criminal defense and post-conviction litigation from indexing case files, but I also received career advice, encouragement and support that was incredibly valuable to me as I started a new career in the legal field. Through connections made at CDPL, I was even able to shadow a public defender for a day. Volunteering was a wonderful learning experience, both for the work itself and the relationships I made with the people who work there. — Drake Linder
My experience at CDPL was unlike any other volunteer position I have had. CDPL warmly welcomed me into their community and was dedicated to creating a significant and formative experience for me. They provided projects specific to my abilities and interests that educated and inspired me. I accompanied attorneys on juror interviews, learned a wealth of information about post-conviction litigation, witnessed exciting arguments in court, and conducted legal research and investigation across North Carolina – all alongside the devoted and expert attorneys at CDPL. My time here invigorated my aspirations and provided invaluable insight into real legal work. −Mary-Kathryn Smith
Volunteering with the Center for Death Penalty Litigation gives you a wonderful opportunity to get hands on legal experience while working with people dedicated to fairness and equity in our criminal justice system. While at CDPL, I traveled around the state looking for evidence at trial, helped standardize a Capital Defense Manual for death penalty defense in North Carolina, and helped organize trial files. I highly recommend CDPL as a place to volunteer, both for the experience and the quality of the people. −Mark McCurry
