Public Defender Services for the District of Columbia

The transition residing in the District of Columbia along with working at the Public Defender Services for the District of Columbia has been much smoother than I anticipated. I have been assigned to the Trial Division, which represents & handles the most serious & complex resource-intensive adult cases in criminal proceedings in the District of Columbia Superior Court including homicide & rape. Due to federal funding through legislation passed by Congress, I have the resources, personnel, & support to be able to thoroughly investigate any criminal case along with the training & skills necessary to effectively & zealously advocate for indigent defendants.

I participated in a mandatory two-week training process that focused upon preparing a cohort of thirteen like-minded interns to have the knowledge, resources, & skills to investigate any task necessary to provide effective representation. I have been taught the process of litigation, potential defense theories, identification procedures, interviewing potential witnesses & victims, recording statements, & important legislation such as the “Second Look Amendment” which releases incarcerated prisoners sentenced at young ages. I have been assigned a team of investigators & two highly-experienced attorneys alongside other intern investigators & law clerks. I am looking forward to working on specific projects & being more comfortable investigating, canvassing, & building relationships with the surrounding indigent communities.

I am very excited & pleased thus far to have formed close friendships with the other investigators & be able to share similar interests & passions. I am enjoying using the Metro to explore what the District of Columbia has to offer & hope to visit as many museums as I can!