CDPL is a non-profit law firm and advocacy organization that works to provide the highest quality representation to people facing execution. In addition to representing individual clients, CDPL spearheads litigation and public education campaigns that address systemic injustices and cast light on the arbitrariness and unfairness of our state’s capital punishment system.
CDPL is committed to exposing and challenging the racial bias inherent in the death penalty and to building an organizational culture of racial equity in all aspects of our work, from litigation and investigation to public education advocacy, and employment. CDPL is an equal opportunity employer, and we welcome qualified applicants of all races, ethnicities, genders, and sexual orientations. Our racial equity statement can be found here.
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SUMMER INTERNSHIPS
CDPL offers full-time internships for law students every summer. Applications for summer 2025 internships are now closed. We will begin accepting applications for summer 2026 in the fall.
We also offer summer internships for undergraduates, but those candidates should use our volunteer application.
VOLUNTEER WORK
CDPL hosts volunteers from around the world all year long, including undergraduates seeking summer internships. Students, licensed attorneys, and interested community members are welcome to get in touch about ongoing volunteer opportunities. Learn more about volunteering.
FELLOWSHIPS & EXTERNSHIPS
CDPL frequently hosts law students seeking externships for school credit, as well as individuals interested in applying for fellowships. At this time, we do not have any funded fellowships, but CDPL will work with candidates to create meaningful projects for outside fellowships. Interested individuals should contact Shelagh Kenney, Deputy Director, at shelagh@cdpl.org.