Second year students (2Ls) who have completed Evidence and Professional Responsibility (or its equivalent) can apply for our Certified Law Student (CLS) Program. Students accepted into this program will have the opportunity to handle their own misdemeanor cases under the supervision of an experienced attorney, and will enjoy a significant amount of in court experience including jury trials.
Under Oregon’s student practice rules, 2L interns who are certified by the Oregon Supreme Court are able to do anything a first year attorney can do. The main focus of the internship is building trial skills – interns start their summer with a two week training which includes trial skills training. The supervising attorney will give the intern trial cases as well as other cases that present an opportunity to make arguments on the record (release hearings, motions to suppress, plea/sentencing, etc.). MPD interns have a good amount of autonomy over their cases and get substantial court experience. Not only is there opportunity for jury trials as the sole counsel on the case, there are also opportunities to co-chair trials with a misdemeanor attorney. Our summer program requires a 12-week commitment. We also often accept students for Fall and/or Spring semesters.
In addition, for summer students, the office typically provides for each intern to attend the annual Oregon Criminal Defense Lawyer Association (OCDLA) conference in June. This is a great opportunity for interns to learn about criminal defense in Oregon and to form strong relationships with attorneys attending the conference. Offers for full time positions are extended to stand out interns at the end of the summer.
While unfortunately these are not paid positions, we will assist in whatever is needed for applications to PILP stipends or provide oversight and reporting for externships for school credit.
Apply by emailing a resume and cover letter to clsapplicants@mpdlaw.com