Jobs at Palm Beach County Public Defender's Office, 15th Judicial Circuit

Summer legal interns work with trial and appellate public defenders, shadow court hearings, depositions, and jail visits, conduct legal research, draft motions, receive writing feedback, attend workshops and CLE presentations, and participate in weekly check-ins. The ten-week, full-time program runs from late May through early August 2027 and is intended for students who will be rising 2Ls or 3Ls.

Represents indigent clients in criminal proceedings, including pretrial release, investigations, motions, trials, sentencing mitigation, and client advocacy. Collaborates with investigators, social workers, mental health professionals, and forensic experts to provide holistic legal services. Attorneys participate in training, maintain meaningful client communication, and may handle trial or appellate matters. The position is full-time and permanent, with a requested three-year commitment.

General expression of interest for future opportunities supporting clients. Potential team areas include investigations, social work, paralegal services, IT, and secretarial or administrative support. The employer seeks hardworking, dedicated problem solvers and welcomes applicants with relevant experience, even when no current openings are available.

Unpaid MSW interns support clients and attorneys through case management, interviewing, assessment, and social-service activities. Interns shadow mental health social workers and assist with juvenile probation cases by motivating offenders to meet probation requirements and pursue early termination. The internship is generally for first-year MSW students, may provide academic credit, requires school approval, and requires at least 16 hours per week.