Landing a Spot: The Queens District Attorney's Office Internship Requirements
The Queens County District Attorney's Office offers a Summer College Internship program, a sought-after opportunity for college students eager to delve into the world of criminal law and public service. This article provides a detailed overview of the internship, its requirements, and what it offers to aspiring legal professionals.
Overview of the Queens District Attorney's Office Summer College Internship
The Office of the Queens County District Attorney is seeking applicants for its Summer College Internship. The internship is designed to provide college students with an outstanding opportunity to learn about the Queens District Attorney's Office, which serves the most diverse county in the country. The program runs for approximately nine weeks, from June 8, 2026, through August 7, 2026. This internship is unpaid.
Interns will work hand in hand with Assistant District Attorneys, gaining experience and practical knowledge as an advocate and fair-minded public servant. The ideal candidate will have a demonstrated interest in public service and criminal law.
Job Description and Responsibilities
Interns will be assigned to a specific bureau and are directly supervised by Assistant District Attorneys. Depending on the bureau assignment, interns will have the opportunity to engage in many aspects of prosecutorial work. Interns will also be invited to attend divisional and office-wide legal training sessions.
The responsibilities may include:
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- Researching and writing assignments for pending cases.
- Motion and discovery practice.
- Assisting with search warrant applications.
- Observing proffers.
- Civilian and police interviews.
- Court appearances pursuant to the student practice order.
- Crime scene visits.
- Participation in community outreach programs with the Community Partnerships Division.
The Community Partnerships Division takes a multi-faceted approach to provide opportunities for individuals to make a positive contribution to Queens County so that crime is not their only option. Additionally, the Civic Awareness Unit manages and operates all District Attorney-sponsored events including gun buy-backs, warrant forgiveness programs, town halls, rallies, and cultural celebration events. As the city and our borough continues to address the ongoing effects of gun violence, the District Attorney has been proactive in fighting back. The District Attorney reminds us all that a gun can never be unfired and a life taken can never be restored. The office is working tirelessly to get guns off the street and has organized three gun buy-back initiatives.
The Queens District Attorney’s Office and the New York Police Department (NYPD) co-hosted these gun buy-back events across the borough with local community groups and churches, including Our Lady of Mount Carmel Roman Catholic Church in Long Island City, the Center of Hope International (COHI), the Community Church of Astoria, the Greater Springfield Community Church in Jamaica, and the Macedonia Baptist Church in Far Rockaway. These events are an effective tool to diminish access to operable guns and reduce gun violence. Many individuals turned in firearms, with no questions asked, and received a $200 bank card for each surrendered handgun.
The Office of Immigration Affairs (OIA) works diligently with immigrants and international visitors to ensure they understand the legal system and their rights. The Youth Empowerment Unit reaches hundreds of youth on an ongoing basis, creating an opportunity to teach young people to think critically and communicate respectfully. They also provide opportunities for students to increase their knowledge and awareness of the law and legal issues. The Legal Explorers Program trains a new generation of prosecutors, defense lawyers, judges, police officers, and other criminal justice professionals. The unit works with the New York State Bar Association to administer the high school Mock Trial Competition each year. This past summer, the Office partnered with the NYC Department of Probation to deliver the Neighborhood Opportunity Network (“NeON”) Program to selected Queens’ youth. The Pathways to Knowledge Program has expanded the Office’s Star Track Program, which originally focused on the Far Rockaway community, to other targeted schools throughout Queens. The Student Advisory Council is a program designed to educate both students and our staff about the views of young people on legal issues that affect their lives.
Internship Details: Divisions and Work Schedule
Interns will be assigned to a specific bureau within the Investigations, Criminal Practice and Policy, Appeals and Special Litigation, Major Crimes, or Supreme Court Trial Division. Interns will work in person Monday through Friday, from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
Eligibility and Application Requirements
This vacancy is open to current college students.
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Applicants must submit a resume, cover letter, and an unofficial transcript, in addition to providing preliminary information. 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.
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. Interviews are scheduled on a rolling basis and students are encouraged to submit applications well before the deadline.
What the Queens District Attorney's Office is Looking For
Each year the Office seeks candidates who are ready to serve the community. Although strong academic credentials are a factor, the Office also looks for a demonstrated commitment to public service and interest in criminal law. Taking initiative is highly valued.
The qualities of personal character, integrity, judgment, and maturity are equally important. Prior leadership experience and a demonstrated commitment to public service and the community are valued qualities.
Training and Development
The Legal Training Department is responsible for all tiered training of assistant district attorneys as well as the continuing legal education of the office's professional staff. The department administers career-oriented training programs which include an intensive four-week Incoming Orientation Training Program for new hires, a Felony Assistant/Grand Jury Training Program, meant to develop prosecutors as they progress in their career and begin handling felonies, as well as trial advocacy training for both Criminal Court and Supreme Court assistants.
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A Progressive Vision
The Brave Justice Summer Legal Internship Program, established by District Attorney Melinda Katz, is designed to provide law students with an outstanding opportunity to learn about the Queens District Attorney’s Office. Summer Interns have the unique experience to see the transformation in progress as District Attorney Katz continues to take on a bold new course to achieve a more forward-looking and progressive office.
District Attorney Melinda Katz is a true daughter of Queens County, who knows every nook and cranny of the World’s Borough. Her progressive reforms have transformed the Office into a 21st Century operation that focuses on fairness, safety, and justice for everyone involved in the criminal justice system.
Additional Opportunities for Students
Beyond the District Attorney's Office, New York City offers a range of volunteer and internship opportunities for students interested in public service and community engagement. These include programs focused on assisting seniors, youth empowerment, and legal education.
- New York Cares: Offers youth opportunities to volunteer, individually or as part of a group, with seniors at different settings and locations. Youth, ages six and older, can partake in "Family Friendly" projects along with a parent or legal guardian. Youth, ages 14 and older, can volunteer individually or join a "Teen Group," led by a trained individual, who is 21 or older.
- DOROT: Offers youth (in preschool through high school) volunteer programs and workshops to engage with seniors in Manhattan. Opportunities range from ongoing visiting programs to internships for high school students.
- Citymeals on Wheels: High school students can deliver meals to and make handmade cards for seniors. Students are also welcome to provide kitchen help. Additional ongoing visiting opportunities are available through the "Friendly Visiting" program, among others.
- GlamourGals: Chapters are student-led service (or volunteer) clubs which can be founded at high schools.
- Visiting Neighbors: Offers student volunteers multiple opportunities to engage with seniors.
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