Positions for Current Law Students


Overview

The San Diego County District Attorney’s Office welcomes you to join our group of attorneys and staff who serve the community by prosecuting crimes, protecting victims, and preventing future harm. Our Fall and Spring Certified Legal Internship Programs and Summer Fellowship Program provide invaluable experience to dedicated, diverse, and passionate law students interested in pursuing a career in criminal law.

The programs offer opportunities to work closely with Deputy District Attorneys in all phases of prosecution—appearing in court, drafting motions, conducting legal research, and assisting with major case preparation. Interns and fellows receive various trainings in criminal prosecution and working up cases. They have opportunities to learn about and work in various areas of prosecution, such as Sex Crimes and Human Trafficking, Gangs, Domestic Violence, and Economic Crimes.


Requirements & Details

The requirements and details of the Fall and Spring Certified Legal Internship Programs are as follows:

  • 2L/3L Status
  • Completion of or concurrent enrollment in Evidence and Civil Procedure courses (for CA State Bar Certification to appear on the record with attorney supervision in court)
  • Minimum grade point average of 3.0
  • Subject to background clearance
  • Ability to work a minimum of 20 hours per week for the duration of the school semester
  • Unpaid volunteer position that can be applied towards school credit

The requirements and details of the Summer Fellowship Program are as follows:

  • Rising 2L/3L status
  • Completion of or concurrent enrollment in Evidence and Civil Procedure courses (for CA State Bar Certification to appear on the record with attorney supervision in court)
  • Minimum grade point average of 3.0
  • Subject to background clearance
  • Ability to work 40 hours per week for a minimum of 10 weeks
  • Paid position that cannot be applied towards school credit
  • Added highlights include:
    • Assigned one-on-one mentor
    • Opportunity to second-chair a trial
    • Summer Closing Argument Competition
    • Team building events

To Apply

To apply, please submit a (1) Resume, (2) Cover Letter, and (3) Official or Unofficial Transcript. If you have previously worked for the San Diego County District Attorney’s Office, provide (4) The names of any supervisors to whom you have previously been assigned or other DDAs from our Office who can speak to your work.

PLEASE INDICATE ON YOUR COVER LETTER WHICH POSITION(S) YOU ARE APPLYING FOR. The Spring Certified Legal Internship and Summer Fellowship Programs have the same application period, and you may apply for both positions and only interview once. The Fall Certified Legal Internship program has its own separate application and hiring timeline.

Cover letters addressed to:
Adriana Ross and Carder Chan
Hiring Deputies – Certified Legal Internship & Summer Fellowship Programs
Office of the District Attorney
330 W. Broadway, Suite 940
San Diego, CA 92101

If your Career Services Office lists our positions on their Symplicity, 12twenty, or other job posting platform, submit your materials through them. Otherwise, email them as a single PDF to recruiting@sdcda.org


2024 Application Deadlines

2024 Spring Certified Legal Internship: Apply by Friday, September 15, 2023, at 11:59 PM (PDT)

2024 Summer Fellowship: Apply by Friday, September 15, 2023, at 11:59 PM (PDT)

2024 Fall Certified Legal Internship: Apply by Friday, February 16, 2024, at 11:59 PM (PST)


For General Questions

Please e-mail us at recruiting@sdcda.org