Legal Intern (Summer 2024)

For The People (FTP) works with prosecutors, system leaders, community members, and incarcerated people to reduce the number of people serving excessive sentences.
We are harnessing the incredible power of prosecutors to correct sentences that no longer serve the interests of justice.
Through direct partnerships, we work with prosecutors to reduce and redress the harms caused by our criminal justice system.
We secured the passage and are leading the implementation of Prosecutor-Initiated Resentencing, the California law that allows prosecutors to reevaluate past sentences and facilitate prison release for those serving excessive sentences.
We work with elected prosecutors to reevaluate past sentences and, where it can be shown that a current sentence is no longer in the interest of justice, we support the prosecuting office through the resentencing and prison release process.
We support prosecution offices in: launching Resentencing Units; providing training and technical assistance during onboarding and implementation; and forging partnerships with criminal defense attorneys, community leaders and reentry providers.
We also support incarcerated people, their loved ones, and community-based organizations in preparing requests for resentencing and guidance on best practices on how to humanize stories for law enforcement audiences.
We are now expanding our California model by training and supporting prosecuting agencies in other jurisdictions to enact PIR laws where needed, implement resentencing policies, and forge community partnerships to strengthen community trust.
For more information, please visit www.
fortheppl.
org.
Now working in multiple states across the country, our team has expanded our California model by training and supporting prosecutors’ offices around the country to implement resentencing policies and forging community partnerships to strengthen community trust.
For more information, please visit www.
fortheppl.
org.
About The Position For The People seeks a passionate and driven law school student to serve as a Legal Intern for the Summer of 2024, supporting FTP’s Legal Team on resentencing initiatives beyond California.
The Legal Intern should be interested in criminal law, prison law, and social justice, as well as be someone who aspires to impact change and right historical wrongs that resulted in excessive sentencing and mass incarceration through working with prosecutors.
This position offers a unique opportunity to be part of a collaborative team that is focused on facilitating resentencing within prosecution offices that vary widely in size and in the political and demographic makeup of their jurisdictions.
Interns will be part of an effort to support a broader definition of justice, in order to improve justice outcomes and help build a better justice system for all.
For this internship, a full-time, minimum 10-week commitment is strongly preferred; however, a part-time internship may be considered for the right candidate.
All activities may be done remotely, depending on the Legal Intern’s location.
However, working in our Oakland office is preferred.
Candidates who have experience within the criminal justice system or have been directly system-impacted are encouraged to apply.
Compensation A stipend of $7,000 will be provided for the full-time 10-week internship.
Candidates who have experience within the criminal justice system or have been directly system-impacted will be prioritized.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities Conduct legal research and provide analysis on legal issues pertaining to prosecutor-initiated resentencing.
Draft template motions, briefs, and case presentations to be provided to prosecutorial offices.
Coordinate with community-based organizations, incarcerated people, and their support networks.
Support presentations to prosecutors’ offices, public defense offices, government leaders, and community groups.
Conduct legal research and writing to support initiatives, legislative efforts and sentencing avenues at the federal, state, and local levels.
Assist with researching and drafting materials for publication; specifically, state-specific guides on implementing sentencing review and informational/educational materials.
Review prison files of incarcerated persons, criminal case files, legal documents, and supporting documents of incarcerated persons.
Synthesize and summarize documents into concise case summaries for review by the prosecutor’s office; identify issues in criminal cases for sentencing review consideration.
Other projects as assigned.
Qualifications Current enrollment in an accredited law school.
Experience working with diverse communities and a deep commitment to social justice and impacting change.
Dimensions of diversity include but are not limited to: age, ethnicity, gender, physical abilities/qualities, race, sexual orientation, educational background, geographic location, income, marital status, military experience, parental status, religious beliefs, work experience, and job classification.
Excellent research skills, including conducting legal database research.
Ability to review, spot issues and synthesize large volumes of information into concise and informative summaries.
Ability to manage time effectively and ensure the completion of projects on schedule.
Quick learner with strong attention to detail and ability to handle multiple projects at the same time.
Demonstrates a positive, can-do attitude focused on identifying solutions and the ability to work in a team environment with a diverse group of organizations.
A strong working proficiency in Word, Excel, Google Docs, Box or equivalent, and PowerPoint or equivalent.
Proficiency with LexisNexis and/or Westlaw.
How To Apply Applications will be considered until 11:59 PM (PST) on Sunday, February 11, 2024.
Interested applicants should submit the information below to: https://fortheppl.
bamboohr.
com/jobs/ A resume.
A cover letter that describes why you are interested in the role and your qualifications.
A legal writing sample that showcases your analytical writing skills.
Two references for people familiar with your qualifications.
Diversity, Inclusion, Justice and Equity Statement FTP works every day to serve justice, and that begins with our team.
We are inclusive.
We celebrate multiple approaches and points of view.
We believe diversity drives creativity, understanding, and effectiveness, so we are continuing to build a culture where difference is not only valued but sought after.
We strive to create a team that reflects the communities we serve and where everyone feels empowered to bring their full, authentic selves to work.
Request for Accommodations If you require accommodations to review and/or apply for this position, please contact For The People at info@fortheppl.
org and appropriate accommodations will be provided.
Candidates must be eligible to work in the United States to be considered for this role.
For The People is an Equal Opportunity Employer and wants our staff to reflect the communities we serve.
We strongly encourage applications from all qualified individuals, including formerly incarcerated and/or system-involved individuals.
We look at each applicant’s full experience and consider each applicant.
We encourage people from all backgrounds and experiences to apply.
Individuals with lived experience of the criminal justice system and its impacts are strongly encouraged to apply.