Volunteer Opportunities
We have a number of volunteers that work with our office on a regular basis. If you are interested in volunteering, please note the following instructions, based on your individual qualifications:
Expert Witnesses
We often utilize expert witnesses for case consultation and case analysis, who are kind enough to work pro bono or at a reduced rate. In addition, every year we invite experts to educate our students on their particular expertise. This is an invaluable experience to the clinic students to learn from real-life professionals on real-life issues. Our students leave the California Innocence Project with a plethora of knowledge across all fields of forensic science. If interested, please click the link below, fill out the form, and note your expertise.
Attorney Volunteers
We have several hundred volunteer attorneys assisting us in a variety of ways. The most basic volunteer opportunity involves initial case screening to determine whether the California Innocence Project should conduct a full-blown investigation. Our more seasoned volunteer attorneys partner with us on case representation. Please click the link below and fill out the form.
Pro Bono Law Firms
We continue to build a strong community of support from law firms of all sizes and specialize in all areas of the law. Every pro bono law firm that decides to team up with us begins by reviewing cases and preparing memorandums. There is an opportunity for every firm to collaborate on larger projects depending on our needs and the firm’s desired commitment. If you are interested in learning how your firm can provide pro bono services, our team can get you started with a presentation on the issues related to wrongful convictions and the case review process.
Investigators
We have a panel of licensed private investigators we use on a regular basis. In addition, retired police officers, sheriff’s deputies, parole and probation officers, and retired prison guards volunteer their time to conduct investigations on our behalf. Investigators can volunteer for a single investigation, or get more involved and take on an entire case (depending on experience). Please click the link below and complete the form.
Interns
The California Innocence Project offers two types of internships which are outlined below. Please note, we do not provide remote internship opportunities; interns must be available to work in our San Diego office for the duration of their internship.
We are holding an extremely limited spring internship program this year. You must be located in San Diego to participate because we are unable to hold the internship remotely.
Legal Interns
We hire unpaid interns to work in our office during each trimester. This is a valuable experience for anyone interested in criminal law or post-conviction law. Hours are flexible (15-35 hours per week [preferred], Monday-Friday, 9 am-5 pm). The first priority will be given to high school, college, law, and post-bar students.
- Summer Deadline: March 1st
- Fall Deadline: July 1st
- Spring Deadline: November 1st
Fundraising
We offer unpaid fundraising internships throughout the year. Our fundraising interns assist our development team with database cleanup, research, and follow-up, event planning, XONR8 gear sales, and various other fundraising efforts. This is an invaluable opportunity for anyone interested in learning about fundraising and development for nonprofits. If you are interested, please fill our the form below.
Event Hosts
Hosting an event is an amazing way to help raise awareness and support for our work. Event hosts often invite their colleagues and networks to their homes or other venues of their liking to enjoy appetizers and beverages and to meet CIP staff and exonerees who share their stories of wrongful convictions. If you are interested in hosting an event, please fill out the form below and note you are interested in being an Event Host.