Nourishing the Next Generation of Leaders

Dear Supporters:

Texas Defender Service’s internship program nourishes the next generation of leaders in the movement to end mass incarceration. Every summer, interns join us from law and social-work schools around the country, bravely facing the Texas heat to contribute to our fight for justice

Hannah Topelberg, an intern from the University of Texas School of Social Work, described her motives for joining our cause this way: 

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“I couldn’t look away from the injustices in our society and all of the systems that work to oppress individuals and communities. I knew I wanted to have a career that made an impact and strived towards building community and alleviating suffering.“

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We are grateful for all our interns have done this summer to help us save lives and to support our mission to end mass incarceration and excessive punishment in Texas. Our interns helped us secure a life sentence for our client Ronald Burgos-Aviles, who faced the death penalty in a capital trial in Laredo, Texas – and much more. Please read below to hear from these future leaders.

With gratitude,