589 Academic Supervised Internship

LAW589

Academic Supervised Internship

(Sankoff)

Criminal Law Internship opportunity 

Location: Edmonton, AB

Position: Criminal Law Intern 

Professor Peter Sankoff is offering an opportunity for law students interested in learning more about the practice of criminal law. Eligible students can apply for an unpaid (but credited) internship working under the supervision of Professor Sankoff for the fall and winter semesters of the upcoming academic year (2023/2024).

Students will have an opportunity to gain a valuable understanding of the work performed by defence counsel in the criminal courts, and see how a criminal law firm operates. Students will gain exposure to a range of criminal law files, providing research assistance, writing memoranda, and occasionally attending court with members of the firm. Students may have the opportunity to work on both trial level and appellate matters.

Students will receive three credits for their internship once successfully completed. Four students will intern each semester for 12-13 weeks and will work approximately six hours per week for a total of 75 hours. The internship is located at the offices of Sankoff Criminal Law at Ritchie Mill, 10171 Saskatchewan Dr, and students are expected to work there or at another location designated by Professor Sankoff.

Reporting to Professor Peter Sankoff, and potentially doing research work for other members of Sankoff Criminal Law, the interns’ duties may include:

• Researching criminal law/evidence related issues;

• Providing trial support (note-taking/consultation);

• Writing memoranda and submissions on contested matters;

• Preparing files for trial through disclosure review;

• Reviewing and drafting responses in relation to claims by or against the Crown; and,

• Helping to prepare sentencing submissions.

• Attending trials or appeals

Requirements:

• Second or third year law student at the University of Alberta;

• Strong communication and writing skills;

• Strong legal research skills;

• Ability to work in a team;

• Strong interest in criminal defence work.

Application Process: 

Please submit by email the following:

• Resume and cover letter of no more than 800 words, explaining why you are interested in the internship;

• A copy of your current transcripts (including degrees prior to law – unofficial ones are fine. Students currently in 1L must provide a written list of mid-term grades/results);

• A writing sample from either an LRW assignment, or something submitted for another law course;

• Please indicate which semester you are applying/available for in your cover letter and include “Criminal Law Internship” in the subject line.

Please address your application to Professor Peter Sankoff (psankoff@ualberta.ca), with subject line “Criminal Law Internship”. Applications for both the Fall 2023 and Winter 2024 semesters will be accepted until 4pm, April 20, 2023.

Candidates may be interviewed for the internship. Those who are being interviewed will be contacted after the deadline for applications.  If you are selected for the internship, you will be manually registered in the course.