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Our online application form will be unavailable from 15 Sep 2026, 6pm to 18 Sep 2026, 9am due to system enhancement. If you wish to apply during this period, please consider alternative channels (opens in new tab). We apologise for the inconvenience caused. Thank you.

Public Defender's Office

Internship Opportunities

Gain hands-on legal experience at the Public Defender's Office. Apply if you are a law student who is a Singapore Citizen or Permanent Resident.

Last updated 7 September 2026

Objective

Public Defenders make a difference. This 3-week programme will introduce interns to the Public Defender’s Office (PDO) and allow interns to experience the work of a Public Defender. Interns can expect to work alongside the Public Defenders and attend court proceedings, client meetings, conduct research and prepare documents.

Aside from ongoing criminal proceedings, interns will be exposed to the deliberations within the PDO, such as merits assessments and case strategy discussions. To enrich their internship programme and ensure a fruitful experience, interns will be assigned to designated Public Defenders as supervising mentors.

Eligibility

We will consider applications from Singapore Citizens and Permanent Residents reading law either at local or scheduled overseas universities 1.

1 Overseas universities refer to institutions of higher learning outside Singapore and which are specified under the Schedules of the Legal Profession (Qualified Persons) Rules (opens in new tab).

Application for the December 2026 PDO Internship Programme is now open and will close on 4 October 2026 at 11.59 PM. We regret that only shortlisted candidates will be notified of the outcome of their applications. Click here (opens in new tab)to apply.

Applicants are to take note of the following before applying:

  • You must have completed the first year of your course;

  • Be available throughout the stipulated internship period; and

  • Include your cover letter, CV and academic transcripts in the application.