The Promise of Justice Initiative (PJI) is a non-profit organization that seeks the humane, fair, and equal treatment of individuals in the criminal justice system. PJI’s multi-pronged approach to change includes civil and criminal litigation, community outreach, and other advocacy focusing on inhumane conditions of confinement, forced labor in prisons, prosecutorial misconduct, racial bias, effective representation, and the ultimate abolition of the death penalty. 

PJI is actively litigating the inadequate medical care for all inmates at the prison, the use of forced labor at Louisiana State Penitentiary, the state’s lethal injection procedures, and many other injustices. We also defend clients in their individual criminal cases through strategic criminal litigation, focusing on ending excessive sentences and challenging non-unanimous jury convictions. PJI does this in conjunction with communities and organizations around the state (including people and groups who are incarcerated), to learn what the people of Louisiana want out of their criminal justice system, and to elevate those voices in spaces where policy is being shaped. 

We are committed to creative and collaborative advocacy, combatting inhumane conditions and practices in prisons, and house several coalitions committed to criminal justice reform and crime survivor advocacy. Learn more at promiseofjustice.org. 

Internship Description and Requirements 

The Promise of Justice Initiative’s 2026 Summer Internship Program will offer an enriching, immersive experience designed to deepen interns’ understanding of the criminal legal system while celebrating the culture and community of New Orleans. From visits to Angola Prison and Criminal District Court to powerful tours of the Whitney Museum, Studio Be, and Solitary Gardens, interns will gain critical context for our work and the systems we fight to transform. PJI partners with other local organizations to host brown bag lunches to connect interns with local justice leaders; while film screenings, walking tours, and curated community events will ground their learning in the city’s deep and complex history. Opportunities to build relationships with PJI staff and leadership through welcome and farewell happy hours, lunch with the executive team, and regular touchpoints will help foster a sense of community, mentorship, and shared purpose. With thoughtful programming and local recommendations that balance work and fun, the PJI 2026 summer program is more than an internship, it’s a transformative New Orleans experience. 

The internship begins with a multi-day training program and each intern is assigned to an attorney for supervision and mentorship. Interns will be integrated into legal teams to work on active cases in both state and federal court, which can include researching and drafting legal memoranda and filings, visiting and interviewing clients and witnesses, and preparing for trials, appellate arguments, or other court appearances. Interns can also work on other types of advocacy efforts, such as supporting coalitions, drafting reports, assisting clients and their families, and contributing to policy and educational work. Each intern will make a final presentation to all staff at the end of the program highlighting a meaningful project. The nature of our work sometimes requires evening hours, weekend work and may include some travel. 

Funding 

As a non-profit, PJI’s summer internships are generally unpaid. PJI encourages students to pursue outside funding for the summer and will work closely with any school or grant funding organization where interns qualify for funding. 

How to Apply 

Please apply by emailing a (1) Cover Letter, (2) Resume, (3) and a short (3-5 page) Writing Sample to pjiinternship@defendla.org. Applications are processed on a rolling basis.