Intern - Public Defender's Office

Why Join Our Team

The Minnehaha County Public Defender's Office is seeking motivated students interested in public service law for internship opportunities. We are dedicated to educating and mentoring students on justice, fairness, and the legal profession's responsibility to provide meaningful access to legal services for individuals who cannot afford representation. These internships offer hands-on experience, providing students with firsthand exposure to public service work while deepening their understanding of the legal system’s role in serving underrepresented communities.

How You Will Make an Impact

• Shadowing: Interns will observe supervisors in action, gaining firsthand insight into essential lawyering skills and how they are applied in real cases.
• Case File Assignments: Interns may work on case files assigned by their supervisor or, in some cases, be “appointed” to handle minor offenses such as Class 2 misdemeanors, city tickets, or sentence modification requests. (Note: Only students meeting SDCL 16-18-2.2 certification requirements may appear in court.)
• Meetings: Interns are encouraged to join staff meetings and weekly office meetings, where attorneys discuss ongoing cases, trial strategies, and brainstorming for jury trials.
• Written Assignments/ Projects: Assignments may include legal research memoranda, investigative work, and documentation of client or witness interviews.
• Time Logs: Interns are encouraged to track hours worked and tasks completed to document experience and professional growth.

What You Need to Succeed in this Role

Must be duly enrolled in or a graduate of the school of law of the University of South Dakota or a law school approved by the American Bar Association, have completed legal studies amounting to at least four semesters or the equivalent if the school is on some basis other than a semester basis and must be certified by the dean of such law school as being of good moral character and competent legal ability, and as being adequately trained to perform as a legal intern or extern. Must successfully complete pre-employment background process.

EEO Statement

Minnehaha County is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion or creed, national origin or ancestry, citizenship, sex or gender including pregnancy, sexual orientation and gender identity, marital status, age, disability, veteran’s status, genetic information, or any other legally protected status. Arrangements for accommodations required by disabilities can be made by contacting Human Resources at (605) 367-4337.