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Capital Defense Intern – Winter 2020

CARDINAL INTERNSHIP: Alexandria, VA. Ed Ungvarsky '90 is an experienced public defender specializing in criminal and capital defense. Previously, he has worked against capital punishment through the Northern Virginia Capital Defender Office. He teaches at Harvard Law School and attended Yale Law School. This is an excellent learning opportunity for students interested public interest law, public defense, criminal law and justice, or also in criminal justice reform policy.

Hours are flexible: full-time is preferred, but part-time is possible. Must have a drivers license and be able to drive. A stipend will be provided.

APPLY THROUGH HANDSHAKE with your approved resume and a well-written cover letter, addressed to Mr. Edward J. Ungvarsky. In the letter, explain why this experience would be a good fit wth your interests.

Mr. Ungvarsky focuses on criminal defense and capital defense cases. He has prepared and tried capital murder cases, and says the intern's experience should be interesting and consequential. He is committed to the following values:

• Excellence in the provision of capital defender services for indigent defendants, accepting that the ABA Guidelines for the Appointment and Performance of Counsel in Death Penalty Cases set a high, yet still minimum, standard in the field;
• Client-centered and relationship-based work that respects the humanity and dignity of all involved in the criminal justice system; and
• Innovation and creativity in the provision of capital defense services.

The intern’s primary function is assisting in the representation of indigent defendants facing capital charges and a possible sentence of death at the trial level through the investigation of the factual bases of the capital murder charge and through the development of sentencing evidence relevant to lessening the possible punishment.

The death penalty investigation intern will investigate both the alleged facts of the capital offense and the background of the client to develop reasons that a sentencing jury should spare the client’s life if the case proceeded to that point. Much of the intern’s time will be spent identifying and speaking with witnesses; identifying and obtaining records; and developing trial exhibits and pre-trial organization tools. The intern will participate in team and strategy meetings, observe court hearings, attend meetings with prosecutors and with defense experts – including mental health experts, and otherwise be a full participant in the defense of persons facing a possible death sentence.

Qualifications:
  • Be flexible and willing to take on a variety of tasks.
  • Be intellectually engaged in your responsibilities.
  • Applicants must have an active, valid driver’s license.