Summer Internship
Kansas Holistic Defenders Summer 2026 Public Defender Internship Program
Kansas Holistic Defenders, a non-profit public defender office committed to serving the legal needs of the poor and working-class communities in Douglas County, is excited to announce openings for the Summer 2026 Public Defender Internship Program. As part of our mission and vision to defend Kansans effectively, zealously, and respectfully, we employ an interdisciplinary, holistic approach to champion our clients' individual goals and address the root causes of involvement in the legal system.
Our Mission and Vision: At Kansas Holistic Defenders, our mission is to defend Kansans effectively, zealously, and respectfully. We use an interdisciplinary, holistic approach to champion our clients' individual goals and address the root causes of involvement in the legal system. Our vision is working for a future where poor and working-class Kansans always have effective, zealous, comprehensive representation. We aspire to bring an end to mass incarceration and ensure that our communities can thrive.
Why Choose Kansas Holistic Defenders? Join our dedicated team and gain hands-on experience in a dynamic legal environment. Our commitment to a holistic defense approach ensures you'll be involved in meaningful and impactful work, contributing to the broader goal of serving our community. Our practice is focused on litigation, and we take more cases to trial than almost anyone else and interns will have hands-on experiences in trial skills, motions practice, and more.
Position Overview: The Summer Internship Program spans approximately 9 weeks, commencing after Memorial Day. This is an unpaid internship for students interested in a career in trial-level public interest law. We understand the financial constraints that may come with an unpaid opportunity and are committed to working with your law school or other sources to explore stipends or externship credit options if you are eligible.
We will accept two interns based in our offices in Lawrence, Kansas.
Responsibilities: Interns will work under the guidance of experienced attorneys. Our office represents clients charged with misdemeanors in Douglas County District Court, and our intern will shadow defenders in court and out, assisting with client communication, trial prep, discovery review, and legal research and writing.
Qualifications:
Currently enrolled in an accredited school of law.
Accepting applications from both 1L and 2L students.
Application Materials Required:
Cover letter
Resume
Writing sample (not exceeding 10 pages)
How to Apply: Please submit your application materials to admin@kansasholisticdefenders.org by February 27, 2026 . In your cover letter, express your interest in the internship, highlight relevant skills or experiences, and detail how your values align with our mission of holistic defense.
