College of Law :: Georgia State University

Criminal Defense Externship--Georgia Innocence Project

LAW 8160

Description

(3) hours per semester, one semester requirement. Students will work a minimum of 10 hours per week at the Georgia Innocence Project under the supervision of the Executive Director. The Georgia Innocence Project is a non-profit organization. The project reviews post-conviction cases, using new DNA technology and other scientific methods, to determine if inmates in Georgia have been wrongly convicted. This position offers students interested in criminal law- both prosecution and defense- the opportunity to be involved in the determination of cases viable for consideration by the Georgia Innocence Project. Students will review inmate correspondence to determine if the project can be of assistance. After cases are determined to be suitable for further review, each student will be assigned a specific number of cases to follow. During this stage, each student will be paired with an established criminal defense attorney. Students will follow and participate in each stage of the post-conviction process, allowing an opportunity for a hands - on learning experience. The student interns will be responsible for reading inmate mail, sending out informational packets to be completed by all inmates, reviewing information provided by inmates, conducting cases investigation, contacting state officials, and monitoring the progress of their individual caseload. All students who have not previously taken an externship must attend a classroom component at the law school. Consent of the Lawyer Skills Externship Program faculty required for enrollment. Applicants must be: organized, confident, able to follow direction, detail oriented, assertive, able to work independently and with a team, responsible, comfortable investigating a criminal case, able to conduct complex research, and committed to public interest work. Students will be responsible for setting a firm schedule with the staff. The office is located in Midtown Atlanta and is easily accessible by MARTA. This is a unique opportunity to be a part of the Innocence movement in Georgia. For more information on the Georgia Innocence Project, visit our website at www.ga-innocenceproject.org.

Credit hours: 3