The internship enables college students to gain first-hand exposure to the criminal justice system and local law enforcement in the borough of Manhattan. Students work closely with Assistant District Attorneys and other staff who are investigating and prosecuting criminal cases, providing support to crime victims, assisting with investigations, and analyzing pending legislation, among other tasks. Internship assignments will be based upon the student’s interests, skills, and the needs of the office.
Internship Prerequisites
Applicants should have a solid academic record, but we consider academic performance to be only one indicator of an applicant’s potential. Equally important are the qualities of personal character, integrity, judgment, and maturity. Prior leadership experience and a demonstrated commitment to public service and the community are valued qualities. We encourage students to have taken at least one criminal law-related class. United States citizenship is not required for internship placement, but all interns must be legally authorized to work in the United States and will be required to submit proof of eligibility.
The City of New York is an inclusive equal opportunity employer committed to recruiting and retaining a diverse workforce and providing a work environment that is free from discrimination and harassment based upon any legally protected status or protected characteristic, including but not limited to an individual’s sex, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, veteran status, gender identity, or pregnancy.
As a current or prospective employee of the City of New York, you may be eligible for federal loan forgiveness programs and state repayment assistance programs. Please review the notice to see if you may be eligible for programs and how to apply at nyc.gov/studentloans.
See below for more information about our Semester and Summer Opportunities.
Semester Internships
Depending on the assignment, students may assist in investigations, hearings and trials; prepare, compile and analyze legal and non-legal documents and financial data; perform research, observe witness interviews, participate in community outreach programs and attend trials.
- Time Commitment: Students will be required to work at least one full day and a half day for a minimum of 12 hours weekly, with a minimum twelve-week commitment to the internship. All internships are in-person, and your weekly schedule must be consistent throughout the course of the semester.
- All semester internships are for academic credit and/or hourly compensation. Please confer with your college Internship Coordinator to learn about your school’s academic internship requirements and compensation eligibility.
- Eligibility: Applicants must have completed one-year of college by the time the internship commences.
Summer Internship Program
Depending on the assignment, students may assist in investigations, hearings and trials; prepare, compile and analyze legal and non-legal documents and financial data; perform research, observe witness interviews, participate in community outreach programs and attend trials. The program also includes a variety of educational programs and activities, including a weekly Lecture Series, Brown Bag Lunch Discussions, and a Mock Appellate Argument exercise.
- Time Commitment: Students will be required to work full-time during the nine week in-person program. The program begins on the first Monday in June.
- Salary: Summer College Interns receive a salary of $560.00 per week.
- Eligibility: Current college sophomores and juniors are eligible to apply to the summer internship program. Applicants must have completed a minimum of two years of college by the time the internship commences. If you have received or will receive your undergraduate degree before the internship program begins, click here for other opportunities at our office.
All applications must be submitted online. Applicants will be required to attach a cover letter, resume, one-page personal statement explaining your interest in public service, and unofficial college transcript. Only complete applications are reviewed. Cover letters should be addressed to:
ADA Raphaëlle Monty, Attorney-in-Charge of the College Internship Program
New York County District Attorney’s Office
Legal Hiring Unit
One Hogan Place
New York, NY 10013
Applications are accepted during the following time periods:
Summer Intern Program: We begin accepting applications for the Summer Program on January 15 and the deadline is February 1 (5:00pm EST)
Fall Semester (September – December): We begin accepting applications for internships on April 15 and the deadline is May 15 (5:00pm EST)
Spring Semester (January – May): We begin accepting applications for internships on October 15 and the deadline is November 15 (5:00pm EST)
Interviews are scheduled on a rolling basis and students are encouraged to submit applications well before the deadline. 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.
Students invited to interview will be required to submit two letters of recommendation from professional or academic references and an official college transcript sent by the college Registrar prior to the interview.
College students 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.