Overview
In 1996, starting with students from local universities, the Dallas County Public Defender’s Office launched its Internship Program. Over the years, the program has expanded, training high school, college, and law students from across the U.S. and even internationally. The office is an approved site for students to earn school credit or fulfill public service requirements, offering internships year-round, including for newly licensed attorneys.
Interns engage in hands-on case preparation, often exceeding the typical 30-hour public service requirement by committing to at least 60 hours. The program has trained students from over 40 law schools, including top institutions like SMU, Columbia, and Howard University.
