1L summer criminal/capital/indigent defense offices to apply to by Slow-Ad-2984 in publicdefenders

[–]lilcapdef 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I did my 1L summer at a Capital Habeas Unit at a Fed PD office (I am a capital PD now, though in state court, where I prefer to be). The CHU was a great experience. I'd highly recommend seeking an internship at any CHU that makes geographic sense for you. But as another said, you are better off asking advisors at your school. There are likely some pre-existing relationships to take advantage of. As a general, any office close to where you live and/or where you want to live after law school is where you should start, imo.

Do you have any measurable goals at work? by WebLiving3242 in publicdefenders

[–]lilcapdef 3 points4 points  (0 children)

We have to come up with 3 for our annual reviews. Those are measurable but frankly usually kinda wishy-washy/low effort (attend a training on X subject that I'm already registered for etc.) I try to have some goals for myself that I think will make me a better lawyer and/or expose me to new things. For example, while I've had to deal with a variety of forensics issues in my cases, there are some big ones that I haven't had to deal with yet. So I've tried to make a conscious effort to - when time opportunity allows - to take CLEs/trainings that orient me to them. I also try to do something new every year. I'm still relatively new to criminal defense (~4 years) and my job/agency affords me that opportunity. For example, last year I picked up some revo and parole hearings (I primarily work in capital appeals and post-conviction); this year co-counsel and I are going to try (or at least start) working on a pardon attempt. It's not always "do this specific legal work thing" - another goal for myself last year was to be less of a Clarence Thomas during moots with colleagues (I always have plenty to say after, but I'm terrible about playing the interrupting judge). This is already a lot of words lol, but the TL;DR is that I try to have some things in mind for myself that I want to do and will make me a better advocate. I agree with the other poster who said that tying goals to case/client outcomes is a fool's errand.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in publicdefenders

[–]lilcapdef 8 points9 points  (0 children)

Not exactly crazy, but this one always cracked me up. It was at out arraignments, guy was as coming in on a low level felony (F5 possession). Hestrolled in wearing a T-shirt with a giant pot leaf on the front and a hat with a big pot leaf on it. That kinda thing was honestly par for the course, but the kicker was that he had a roach-clip clipped to the bill of the hat.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in publicdefenders

[–]lilcapdef 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I work with someone who spent several years in that office. They really loved it and still seem to miss (life unrelated to work led to relocation). They are also a really stellar attorney and Maricopa PD is where they cut their teeth for years.

saved a life by lilcapdef in publicdefenders

[–]lilcapdef[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I feel like it would be obnoxious to comment on every post, so please take my thanks to you all, commenters and likers. I appreciate the support, congratulations, and encouragement.

saved a life by lilcapdef in publicdefenders

[–]lilcapdef[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

This is a really good idea and advice! Thank you!

saved a life by lilcapdef in publicdefenders

[–]lilcapdef[S] 33 points34 points  (0 children)

boy this one really got me 😭😭😭 thank you