We interview at the New York County District Attorney’s Office and select public interest job fairs. The successful applicant will go through a one-round interview process, meeting with one member of the Hiring Board, who is an experienced Assistant District Attorney.
All applications must be submitted online. Applicants will be required to attach a cover letter, resume, law school transcript, writing sample, and a list of three professional references. Applicants invited to interview must submit an official law school transcript. Please click on Application Materials for more information. Offers are made on a rolling basis, and we respond to all applications. If you have not heard from us your application is still pending. If you receive any offers or deadlines from other employers, please call the Legal Hiring staff.
Cover letters should be addressed to:
Ms. Robin R. Edwards
Director, Legal Hiring Unit
New York County District Attorney’s Office
One Hogan Place
New York, NY 10013
We begin accepting applications from full-time second-year and part-time third-year law students on August 15 and the deadline for submission is November 1. All submissions are due by 5:00 PM (EST).
Eligible law students who are interested in being considered for a summer fellowship position may apply online by clicking on the link below. Please read all instructions carefully and hover over the question mark for more information. Documents should be in Word or PDF format. We strongly encourage you to review the FAQ section for more information about our application process.
Summer Law Fellowship Application
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Application Materials
To apply for a position in our office, all applicants are required to submit a cover letter, resume, unofficial transcript, writing sample, and three references. Documents should be in Word or PDF format.
- Writing Sample: The writing sample should show substantial legal research and analysis. It need not be on a criminal law subject, and there is no specific length requirement. Please submit what you consider to be the best example of your writing skills.
- References: We require three references from former or current employers who have firsthand knowledge of your performance in a legal position. Professional references from former or current legal employers are preferable to academic references. You must include a reference from your most recent legal experience. Personal references are not acceptable. Letters of recommendation are not required. Please specify your professional relationship to each reference listed and include a full name, current telephone number, and e-mail address for each reference. Please submit no more than three references.
- Unofficial Transcript: Please provide the most recent copy of your transcript. It should include your current course schedule, if applicable.
Interview Materials
Applicants invited for an interview will need to provide an official law school transcript.
- An official transcript is issued directly from the law school generating the grade report. It usually has an official seal and/or a signature of the registrar. You may have the registrar send an electronic version to LegalHiringUnit@dany.nyc.gov or they can mail the transcript directly to our office. Official transcripts that are brought to your interview or hand delivered to us must be in an envelope sealed by your registrar.
Summer Law Fellowship Lecture Series
A weekly series of lectures throughout the summer allows fellows to hear an Assistant District Attorney discuss a specific case or topic. The following lectures were part of previous Summer Law Fellowship programs:
- Arrest to Sentence: An overview of the criminal justice system as it functions in New York County
- The Role of a Prosecutor: Senior Assistant District Attorneys lead small group discussions focusing on the ethical, moral, and legal issues an Assistant District Attorney faces
- Life at the New York County District Attorney’s Office: This panel discussion allows interns to gain insight into what a job as an Assistant District Attorney is really like by hearing the experiences and opinions of current ADAs
- Post-Judgment Motion Practice Training
- Mock Suppression Hearing Tips & Techniques Training
- Office of the Special Narcotics Prosecutor
- Pathways to Public Safety
- Post-Conviction Justice
- A View from the Bench
- Obtaining and Using Electronic Evidence in Criminal Investigations
Summer Law Fellowship Case Study Discussions
A series of Case Study Discussions are held throughout the summer to enable small groups of law fellows to meet with senior Assistant District Attorneys to discuss their work. The following discussions were scheduled as part of previous Summer Law Fellowship programs:
- Oral Arguments & Introduction to the Appellate Division, Appeals Bureau
- Cold Case Homicide, Forensic Sciences Unit
- Kidnapping & Murder, Cold Case Project
- Hate Crimes, Hate Crimes Unit
- Sex Crimes, Sex Crimes Unit, Special Victims Division
- Sex Trafficking,Human Trafficking Unit & Violent Criminal Enterprises Unit
- Sexual Abuse,Child Abuse Unit, Special Victims Division
- Identity Theft, Cybercrime & Identity Theft Bureau
- Robbery & Murder,Trial Bureau 40
- Murder & Grand Larceny,Trial Bureau 50
- Restorative Justice, Trial Bureau 70
- Gun Trafficking,Trial Bureau 60 & Violent Criminal Enterprises Unit
- Psychiatric Defense, Trial Bureau 80
- Embezzlement,Financial Frauds Bureau
- International Fraud, Major Economic Crimes Bureau
- 2nd Avenue Gas Explosion, Rackets Bureau
- Police Accountability, Police Accountability Unit
- Investigating Stolen Antiquities, Antiquities Trafficking Unit
- After the Murder Conviction, Appeals Bureau
Summer Law Fellowship Program Highlights
- Mock Litigation: All fellows participate in a mock suppression hearing.
- Community Relations: Fellows shadow ADAs conducting Community Outreach Programs and participate at events such as National Night Out Against Crime.
- Field Trips: Past tours have included the NYPD’s Tactical Training Facility, the Manhattan Detention Complex, and observing oral arguments at the Appellate Division (1stDept).
- Luncheons & Social Activities: There are opportunities for interns to socialize with each other and members of the legal and professional staff, including luncheons, group outings and the intramural softball league.
- Diversity Events: Our legal and professional affinity groups sponsors inclusion luncheons and social events. We have also coordinated tours at the African Burial Ground & Museum of Chinese in America.
- Meet the DA: Fellows meet in small groups with the District Attorney.
How many positions are available?
Each year there are approximately 50 Summer Law Fellowships for full-time second-year and part-time third-year law students.
May I fax or e-mail my application?
No, we do not accept cover letters and resumes sent via fax or e-mail. All applications must be submitted online.
When is the deadline to submit my application?
The application deadline is November 1. All submissions are due by 5:00 PM (EST).
What is a complete application? How can I submit updated materials after I applied online?
A complete application consists of a cover letter, resume, an unofficial transcript, writing sample, and three professional references. All application materials must be submitted online.
To submit an updated resume please call the Legal Hiring Unit at 212-335-9361. Do not submit a new application if you already applied through our website and have a pending application.
What if I do not have a transcript or grades available by the deadline?
We ask that you send in a course list and update your application with your transcript as soon as possible.
How soon after my interview can I expect to hear from the Legal Hiring Unit?
We make offers on a rolling basis. There is no exact time frame. We respond to all applications.
When do you start interviewing? May I find out who will be conducting my interview in advance?
Interviews begin in August and we make offers on a rolling basis. All interviews are conducted by Hiring Board members who are experienced Assistant District Attorneys. You will be given the name of your interviewer at the time of your interview.
How long is the interview?
Interviews are approximately 30 minutes long. Applicants should anticipate being here for at least one hour.
What documents will I need to provide for my first interview?
An official law school transcript is required. Applicants should ask their Registrar to send an electronic version to LegalHiringUnit@dany.nyc.gov or mail it to the Legal Hiring Unit.
What if I have other offers and deadlines?
Please immediately inform the Legal Hiring Unit staff of any offers or deadlines you may receive during the interview process. We will make an effort to expedite your application in order to meet feasible deadlines.
Can I do a split summer? Is the start date of the program flexible?
We do not offer split summers and there is no flexibility with program dates. Students who accept a summer position must commit to the full nine-week program, which begins the first Monday in June and ends the first week in August.
Are there other opportunities for current law school students?
Yes, if you are interested in working either part-time or full-time in the office’s Complaint Room Complex, please click here for more information. Semester internships for academic credit are also available. Please note that students are eligible for one law internship experience only, summer or semester.
What kind of background investigation is required?
Fellows who accept an offer of employment must pass a background check as a condition of employment, which includes verification of name, residence, educational background and a criminal history check.
What happens if serious concerns are identified during the background investigation?
The office can withdraw an offer of employment if the investigation process reveals information that precludes a security and/or suitability clearance.
Where is the office located?
The office is located at One Hogan Place at the intersection of Centre Street and Leonard Street. The dedicated entrance to the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office is on the south side of the Manhattan Criminal Court Building at 100 Centre Street. The Legal Hiring Unit is on the 8th floor in room 870.