Application & Deadlines

Opens
01/05/2026 at 12:00am EST
Closes
02/01/2026 at 11:59pm EST

Overview

The Allegheny County District Attorney’s Office offers many different opportunities to gain hands-on experience for students interested in public service and criminal law.

The Office of the District Attorney serves as the Chief Law Enforcement Office of the county and accepts referrals from more than 100 active police departments including the City of Pittsburgh Bureau of Police, the Allegheny County Police Department and the Allegheny County Sheriff’s Department. The office is also responsible for approving complaints filed by private citizens.

The internship program operates out of our main office which is located on the third and fourth floors of the Allegheny County Courthouse, and offices located in the Frick along Grant Street in downtown Pittsburgh.

The Office employs more than 100 attorneys divided into various subdivisions and areas of expertise. Interns are placed in a specific unit based on their specific skills, specific interests and needs of the Office.

Units within the Office where interns may be placed include:

  • Child Abuse
  • PCRA & Federal HABEAS
  • Crimes Persons
  • Phoenix (misdemeanor court)
  • City Court (preliminary hearings)
  • Juvenile Court
  • Domestic Violence
  • Violent Crimes and Firearms/Narcotics
  • Community Impact Unit (General Trial)
  • Specialty Courts (mental health, veterans, Drug & DUI)
  • Homicide Unit

Location & Format

Industries
Time Zone
Eastern Time (ET) – America/New York
Format
In-Person

Eligibility

Selected intern will need a copy of their original COVID-19 Vaccination (this is an office requirement).

Program Details

As a Legal Intern at the District Attorney’s Office, you will work closely with Assistant District Attorneys (ADAs) and other legal professionals to support the prosecution of criminal cases. Your responsibilities may include:

  • Legal Research: Conducting in-depth research on legal issues, case law, and statutes relevant to ongoing cases.
  • Case Preparation: Assisting in the preparation of case files, reviewing evidence, organizing documents, and drafting legal memoranda.
  • Courtroom Observation: Attending court hearings, trials, and other legal proceedings to observe prosecutorial strategies, witness testimonies, and case outcomes.
  • Client Interaction: Supporting the office in victim/witness assistance, including preparing witnesses for court, conducting interviews, and helping coordinate testimony.
  • Document Drafting: Assisting in the drafting of legal documents, including motions, briefs, and discovery requests.
  • Investigation Assistance: Assisting ADAs in gathering facts, reviewing investigative materials, and collaborating with law enforcement.
  • Administrative Tasks: Performing various administrative tasks related to case management, document filing, and data entry.

Moderate Supervision: Intern will meet with their supervisor regularly, but will be given the opportunity to work on independent projects.

Our office fosters a collaborative and supportive environment that values professionalism, growth, and teamwork. The management structure includes a District Attorney, several Deputy and Assistant District Attorneys, and a variety of specialized units, each supervised by experienced attorneys who provide mentorship and guidance.

The office culture emphasizes open communication, integrity, and respect for colleagues, court staff, and the community we serve. There are frequent opportunities for social connection and networking through office events, volunteer initiatives, and professional collaborations with law enforcement and community partners.

For interns, we offer a structured cohort program that includes rotations through different units, courtroom exposure, and hands-on training in trial preparation, discovery review, and legal research. Interns also participate in group trainings, shadowing experiences, and social events designed to build relationships and develop professional skills.

This Director's Internship Host will host additional undergraduate interns outside of the Director's Internship Program.

An interest in learning more about the criminal justice system!

Personal laptop, only if your preference is your own laptop. The Allegheny County District Attorney's Office has shared desktops.

If you have any questions about this opportunity or the Director's Internship Program in General, please reach out to IOP_ICS@hks.harvard.edu