Externships and Internships - The Center for Death Penalty Litigation

_{CDPL staff, friends, and summer interns taking in a Durham Bulls game!}

INTERNSHIPS FOR SUMMER 2026 ARE NOW FULL. TO APPLY FOR AN EXTERNSHIP (FALL 2026 OR SPRING 2027), USE THE FORM BELOW. IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN A SUMMER 2027 INTERNSHIP, PLEASE CHECK BACK IN THE FALL.

Each summer, CDPL hosts full-time law student and undergraduate interns. Our interns consistently remark on the diversity of opportunities, the rigorous intellectual environment, and the collegiality of our office. In recent summers, interns have visited clients, traveled across the state interviewing witnesses and jurors, worked on clemency cases, assisted with research and writing of direct appeal and post-conviction claims, attended capital trials, and assisted at evidentiary hearings. Because of the nature of the work our students perform, we typically do not allow split summers and we prefer that all interns begin work on the same date. We ask each intern to commit to a 10-week program, usually beginning the first work day of June.

We also host law student externs each semester. A minimum commitment of 12 hours per week is required. Interested applicants for either position can use the same form below.

Past Interns in Their Own Words

Ryan Doherty, Yale Law School 2028

“I felt that there was no better place to start my legal journey than by serving the most dispossessed people in our society, as there is no worse marginalization than being condemned to death. Ultimately, CDPL is emblematic of the future legal career I strive for, one that protects our country’s most erased, is dedicated to humanity, but always is grounded in kindness.

Having a long conversation with a man on death row is an experience that many criminal attorneys have not had. It’s these moments, learning from the most condemned people in society, that shape who we are and who we want to become.”

Lily Bracy, Northeastern University School of Law 2027

“My conversations with [staff attorney] Ryan Kuchinski were deeply inspiring. He reminded me that our role goes far beyond providing the zealous representation guaranteed by the Constitution. We are called to bring our clients’ full humanity into the courtroom, ensuring the court sees the complete story of their lives rather than just a charge on paper. Carrying this powerful perspective forward with me as I pursue my career in public defense is something I will always be grateful for.

The absolute highlight of my summer was getting to assist with a trial! I gained invaluable insights into how trial-level strategy shapes post-conviction and appellate advocacy, all while getting hands-on experience with cutting-edge issues like cell-tower data collection and DNA testing. Best of all, [staff attorney] Sydney Calas made me feel like an essential, fully integrated part of the legal team every step of the way.”

Ashley Conyers, Marshall-Motley Scholar, NCCU School of Law 2026

“Serving as a Marshall-Motley Scholar intern at the Center for Death Penalty Litigation this summer deepened my resolve to abolish the death penalty and carry forward the work of those who have fought before me. I was able to experience both the urgency and humanity behind this work through a wide range of assignments, like meeting with clients on death row, conducting jury investigations, and drafting legal memos for staff attorneys. What stood out to me the most was the culture of intentional mentorship at CDPL. The open-door policy created a summer internship where I could learn, ask questions and be continuously challenged.”

Deksyos Damte, Marshall-Motley Scholar, UC Berkeley School of Law 2027

“As a 1L selecting where I would work for the summer, I sought an organization that was dynamic, warm, and client-centered. As my internship concludes, I can confidently say CDPL was a great choice! My assignments throughout the summer were clear and varied, giving me the opportunity to strengthen my legal research and writing skills. CDPL prioritized mentorship, checking in routinely and even facilitating an Interns of Color cohort across multiple legal organizations.

The highlight of my summer, however, was meeting with clients. I was struck by their stories and resilience, and grateful that CDPL trusted us to conduct legal visits.”

Grace Kang, Northeastern University School of Law, 2024

“CDPL was my first internship in law school, and I am incredibly grateful for this invaluable learning experience. I had the privilege of observing and assisting counsel throughout a felony trial, where I analyzed jury data from state public records and researched case theories. For post-conviction cases, I reviewed trial transcripts and identified patterns of jury discrimination within the jury selection process. Subsequently, I testified on my findings at a post-conviction evidentiary hearing.

“The most meaningful part of this internship was connecting with clients—listening to their stories of their life before incarceration and their harrowing experiences on death row. I am also fortunate to have met my lifelong mentors here. Their commitment to client-centered advocacy and tireless efforts to abolish the death penalty inspired me and ultimately shaped my decision to pursue a career in public defense.”

We are currently accepting applications for Fall 2026 and Spring 2027 externships.

Intern/Extern Application Form

To apply for an internship or externship, fill out the online form and use the buttons below to upload the following documents in PDF format:

Cover letter clearly articulating the applicant’s interest in death penalty defense or criminal defense work
Current resume
Phone number and email address for one professional reference

Undergraduate internships are in-person only. We are not currently accepting undergrad applications.

Law students are encouraged to work in-person but may work remotely.

Email
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Name*
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Email*
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Year in School and Type of School*
Example: Junior, Undergraduate or 2L, Law
Please indicate which opportunity you are applying for. (We are currently only accepting law student applications. We are not accepting undergrad applications.)*
- Fall 2026 Externship (Law Student)
- Spring 2027 Externship (Law Student)
Letter of Interest*
Max. file size: 50 MB.
Resume*
Max. file size: 50 MB.
Reference Name and Contact Information*
Please provide name, phone number, and email for one professional reference.

CDPL complies with the letter and spirit of all federal, state, and local employment discrimination laws and does not discriminate based on race, age, sex, religion, national origin, marital status, family responsibility, gender identity, sexual orientation, veteran status, or disability.