Volunteer Internship and Law Clerk Opportunities

What OCA Offers:

The Office of the Child Advocate is a small office that operates statewide through a coordinated effort of four in-house attorneys working with more than 350 local, volunteer attorneys to represent the best interests of children. For students interested in learning more about the child welfare system this is an excellent opportunity to get first hand experience. An internship with OCA offers a variety of experience ranging from basic clerical work to drafting legal documents. During an internship with OCA you can expect to interact with various members of the legal profession, medical personnel, the general public and various political figures as you navigate the Child Welfare System.

Some of the Duties you would be expected to perform include (but are not limited to):

• Reviewing medical, psychological and criminal records and creating timelines;
• Talking to perspective clients and conducting intakes;
• Attending court hearings;
• Attending Child Protection Accountability Commission Meetings;
• Attending various Child Welfare System subcommittee meetings;
• Conducting research for hot topics;
• Drafting briefs, motions and other legal documents for court;
• Filing documents with the Court;
• Assisting with day-to-day activities.

Office Environment:

Although the Office of the Child Advocate is a small office, we interact with the public and members of the legal community quite often. While we strive to maintain a fun and informal atmosphere within the office, we must insist on a professional appearance and demeanor. We do have a dress code policy of “Business Casual.” (Upon acceptance of an internship, you will be provided a copy of the policy.)

Due to the nature of the work, we must insist that all interns sign a Confidentiality Agreement as well as approve a background check for the Child Protection Registry.

Minimum Requirements:

Interns
The OCA provides a well-rounded experience to our interns. Because of the nature of the work, we require that you have completed your freshman year; be enrolled in a Public Service Major (Social Work, Psychology, Political Science, Criminal Justice, Government, etc.) and/or have an interest in pursuing a career in the Legal Profession (Law Student, Criminal Justice Major, etc.).

Law Clerks
Students interested in a position must have completed the first semester of law school.

How to Apply:
Applying for an Internship is easy. Please forward a copy of your resume and a cover letter to:

In New Castle County:

Office of the Child Advocate
Attn: Allison McDowell, Program Administrator
900 King Street, Suite 210
Wilmington , DE 19801

Or fax to (302) 577-6831

Or e-mail to allison.mcdowell@state.de.us

In Kent or Sussex County:

Office of the Child Advocate
Attn: Celeste Bishop, Family Crisis Therapist
6 West Market Street, Suite 1
Georgetown, DE 19947

Or fax to (302) 856-5722

Or e-mail to celeste.bishop@state.de.us

To apply for a Volunteer Law Clerk Position please forward a cover letter, copy of your resume, transcript and a writing sample to:

In New Castle County:

Office of the Child Advocate
Attn: Nick Krayer, Esquire - Deputy Child Advocate
900 King Street, Suite 210
Wilmington , DE 19801

Or fax to (302) 577-6831

Or e-mail to nicholas.krayer@state.de.us

In Kent or Sussex County:

Office of the Child Advocate
Attn.: Heather Williams, Esquire – Deputy Child Advocate
6 West Market Street, Suite 1
Georgetwon, DE 19947

Or fax to (302) 856-5722

Or e-mail to heather.williams@state.de.us