PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
The Trial Unit of the Federal Public Defender’s Office for the Central District of California represents people charged with federal offenses who cannot afford to retain their own attorney. Our representation begins at the first bail hearing in front of a Federal Magistrate Judge and continues through trial or plea, and sentencing in front of a District Judge. Our office also participates in post-plea and post-conviction alternative courts.
We vigorously advocate for our clients at every step of the criminal process. Our tasks range from investigation and drafting and filing motions, to arguing the merits of each case in front of a District Judge or jury.
The MSW students work alongside our social work team to support clients. We have partnerships with the University of Southern California (USC), the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), California State University, San Bernardino (CSUSB) and California State University, Los Angeles (CSULA).
The students help the teams identify cultural and bio-psychosocial factors relevant to a client’s background. They also conduct research and help draft release plans occasionally provide the clients with case management support, and assist in locating community-based resources and making referrals for clients. This is a very hands-on and fast-paced internship.
SAMPLE PROJECTS
In the past, our MSW interns have worked on the following projects:
- Cultivating positive relationships with clients, their families and their support systems
- Researching mental health and substance abuse treatments/programs
- Supporting alternative courts like CASA and STAR
- Reviewing mitigation records for relevant mental health information
- Assisting with social histories for use in sentencing memos
- Linking clients to employment, education and vocational services
HOW TO APPLY
We seek applicants dedicated to serving racially and socioeconomically oppressed communities, and to collaboratively contribute to the defense of our clients. We only take students who are referred by field programs at universities with whom we partner. Currently, we are partnering with the following universities:
- California State University, Los Angeles
- California State University, San Bernardino
- California Baptist University
- University of Southern California
- University of California Los Angeles
- Azusa Pacific University
To apply to our MSW internship program, please contact the field placement coordinator at your university.
The FPD-CDCA is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All applicants, regardless of race, ethnicity, national origin, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, disability, or age, are encouraged to apply.