Appeals Division
The Appeals Division handles all appeals and other matters in the Appeals Court, Supreme Judicial Court and Supreme Judicial Court for Suffolk County, as well as some post-conviction matters in the trial courts, cases before the Parole Board, summonses and subpoenas, and public records requests. Among other duties, it also provides litigation support for trial assistant district attorneys and training for prosecutors, police and others. Interns with the Appeals Division perform work connected to any or all of the Divisions' duties, including, in particular, research and write pleadings, including memoranda and briefs. All Appeals Division interns also are assigned to a one or two-week district court rotation, depending on Rule 3:03 certification.
Application requirements: application, cover letter, resume, law school transcript, writing sample and at least two references.
Superior Court
A unique and exciting program for exceptional law students not yet eligible for 3:03 certification, with an interest in litigation and a demonstrated ability in research and writing. Interns selected for this internship will work directly with Assistant District Attorneys on the Superior Court Trial Team, on a wide variety of cases including sexual assault, homicide, robbery, arson, and, other major felonies. Interns will be given research projects and will be expected to present comprehensive findings. Interns will also have the opportunity to observe various courtroom proceedings including arraignments, motions, and trials, with Assistant District Attorneys available to explain and discuss courtroom procedure and proceedings. Interns may also assist the staff in performing administrative tasks on an as-needed basis.
This program is available for the Fall (Sept - Dec), the Spring (Jan/Feb - May), the Summer (Jun - Aug), or a school year program (Sept-May). Students may work up to five days/week, but a minimum 2 day/week commitment is required.
Application requirements: application, cover letter, resume, law school transcript, writing sample and at least two references.
District Court
First year law students selected for an internship will have the opportunity to observe arraignments, pre-trial hearings and conferences, motions, and trials. ADA's are available to explain and discuss courtroom procedure and proceedings. First year law student interns will also assist the staff in performing administrative tasks and may be assigned to perform legal research and to draft memoranda on a variety of legal issues.
Second and third year law students who have been Rule 3:03 certified by the SJC may, if selected for an internship, represent the Commonwealth in Court. Under the guidance of an ADA, these interns will have the opportunity to conduct arraignments, represent the Commonwealth at pre-trial hearings and conferences, argue motions, and conduct motions, hearings or trials. Second and third year law student interns may also be assigned various research tasks. Law students should check with the Dean of their respective law school to determine the criteria and procedure for becoming 3:03 certified. The Essex District Attorney's Office requires students who are Rule 3:03 certified to submit proof of their certification.
Application requirements: application, cover letter, resume, references, law school transcript and proof of 3:03 certification if applicable.
Application and Deadline
Please indicate which the internship opportunity you are applying for in your cover letter. Download and complete the internship application and send it with other required documents to:
Internship Programs
Essex District Attorney's Office
Ten Federal Street
Salem, MA 01970
Deadlines for Internship Applications:
Fall- Accepting applications beginning June 1st, with a deadline of no later than the third Friday of September.
Spring- Accepting applications beginning June 1st, with a deadline of no later than the first Friday of January.
Summer- Accepting applications at the start of the school year with a deadline of no later than the second Friday of February.