The Criminal Justice Defense Externship gives students the opportunity to gain valuable courtroom experience by representing real clients in their criminal cases while working at a Public Defender’s office. There are placement opportunities with all of the Public Defender’s offices both in the metro area and in outstate Minnesota.
Every courthouse and Public Defender’s office has a safety plan that they need to follow regarding mask wearing, social distancing, and frequent disinfecting. This fall semester the vast majority of the students are appearing in court in person. There are some who have also appeared in court virtually, but that is more the exception than they norm.
Anyone who is interested or has questions can contact Shawn Webb directly at shawn.webb@hennepin.us or 612-596-7884. He would be happy to discuss these opportunities and answer any questions.