Volunteers

We accept applications for volunteer positions. Currently, positions are available for winter 2025 or spring 2026. Volunteer positions are for 8-12 hours per week with preference for in-person volunteers.

To apply as a volunteer, fill out the online form and use the buttons below to upload a current resume and a letter of interest that articulates your interest in death penalty defense or criminal defense work. If you are a law student seeking a summer internship at CDPL, please apply on our Summer Internships page. If you have questions or need more information, contact Barrie Wallace, barrie@cdpl.org.

I volunteered with Center for Death Penalty Litigation while I 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

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, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, or disability.