Legal Intern (Summer 2026)

For The People (FTP) is the national nonprofit working with prosecutors to identify people in prison who can be safely released, reuniting families and strengthening communities for generations to come. 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 agencies through the resentencing and prison release process.

1) Policy: We spearhead policy across the country to forge new pathways to justice. 

2) Implementation: We provide end-to-end services, including training, guides, resources, and comprehensive case review support, for prosecuting agencies to implement resentencing efficiently.

3) Reentry: We serve as a crucial conduit to key services and provide direct reentry support to ensure formerly incarcerated people can thrive once home. 

4) Narrative Change: We are rewriting the story of second chances by uplifting the voices of formerly incarcerated people and prosecutors who believe people can change.

For more information, please visit fortheppl.org/about

About The Position

For The People seeks a passionate and driven law school student to serve as a Legal Intern for Summer 2026, 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 focused on facilitating resentencing within prosecution offices that vary widely in size and 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.

Candidates who have experience within the criminal justice system or have been directly system-impacted will be prioritized.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Review prison files of incarcerated persons, criminal case files, legal documents, and supporting documents of incarcerated persons, under the direction of FTP staff attorneys.


• Synthesize and summarize documents into concise case summaries for review by FTP staff attorneys and the prosecutor’s office; identify issues in criminal cases for sentencing review consideration.


• Draft template motions, briefs, and case presentations to be provided to prosecutorial offices. 


• Coordinate with community-based organizations, incarcerated people, and their support networks to gather information for case presentations.


• 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. 


• Update Salesforce with relevant case information, and support other data quality efforts that allow FTP to measure legal team impact.


• 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, and PowerPoint.


• Working knowledge of Asana, Box or equivalent, and Salesforce or equivalent preferred.


• Proficiency with LexisNexis and/or Westlaw.

Duration, Location & Compensation

For this internship, a 10-week commitment is strongly preferred; however, an 8-week commitment will be considered. We will consider a full-time or part-time placement, dependent on the organization’s needs and the candidate’s availability. 

All activities may be done remotely, depending on the Legal Intern’s location.  However, working a hybrid schedule in our Oakland, CA office is preferred.

A stipend of $4,800 - $8,000 will be provided for the 10-week internship, depending on hours worked. 

How To Apply

Applications will be considered until the position is filled.  Interested applicants should submit the information below to: https://fortheppl.bamboohr.com/jobs/

1. A resume.


2. A cover letter that describes why you are interested in the role, your qualifications, and the number of hours you are available to work.


3. A legal writing sample that showcases your analytical writing skills.


4. 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.

Candidates must be eligible to work in the United States to be considered for this role.

Request for Accommodations

If you require accommodations to review and/or apply for this position, please contact For The People at [email protected], and we will provide the necessary accommodations.

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.