San Diego County District Attorney

Job Description

The Certified Legal Intern Program of the San Diego District Attorney’s Office offers volunteer positions to law students who are interested in a career in the field of criminal law. Interns are expected to answer defense motions, conduct legal research, and appear in court with a supervising attorney. All Certified Legal Interns work closely with Deputy District Attorneys in all phases of prosecution.

Interns will have the opportunity to work in a variety of divisions within the department. In addition to the Hall of Justice downtown, branch offices are located in the South Bay, East County, North County and Kearny Mesa areas.

The Certified Legal Intern Program is divided into two categories: (1) Summer Legal Interns; and (2) Fall/Spring Legal Interns. The Summer Legal Internship program is a volunteer internship position open to 2L students. The Fall/Spring Legal Internship program is a volunteer position open to 2L and 3L students who are enrolled in the local San Diego area law schools.

Training

Every Summer Legal Intern participates in an introductory training course before being assigned into a particular division. Experienced trial deputies administer this training to familiarize Summer Legal Interns with the California criminal justice process and our Office. After the initial training, each Summer Legal Intern will receive on the job mentorship from an experienced prosecutor who will provide relevant training for each assignment.

All Summer Legal Interns are expected to apply with the State Bar for their certification. Such certification status allows those then Certified Legal to research, write, and argue motions, conduct preliminary hearings, assist in the preparation of serious felony cases and may even be assigned to assist with some aspects of case preparation in rape, kidnap and murder trials.

Requirements

The requirements for the Summer Legal Intern position are as follows:

• 2L Status and completion of Evidence and Criminal Law Courses
• Resume – Please include your GPA in your resume
• Must be available to work a minimum of 40 hours per week
• Grade Point Average of 3.0
• Subject to background and medical clearance

The requirements for the Fall/Spring Legal Intern position are as follows:

• 2L or 3L Status and completion of Evidence and Criminal Law Courses
• Resume – Please include your GPA in your resume
• Must be available to work a minimum of 20 hours per week
• Grade Point Average of 3.0
• Subject to background and medical clearance

Please coordinate with your respective law school about any potential funding available through your institution for these volunteer positions. Some law schools also provide for school credit for participation in our Certified Legal Internship program. While the Office would prefer a commitment by Summer Legal Interns to work the entire summer, splitting the summer with another employer will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

Application Information

Effective Fall 2011, the Office is now actively recruiting Summer 2012 Legal Interns from local, California, and out-of-state law schools through the Symplicity online recruitment tool. Please consult your law school’s Symplicity web page for further application instructions. If your law school does not participate in Symplicity online recruitment, please apply directly to the Office as directed below.

To apply for the Certified Legal Intern position, please submit your resume as a PDF document through email to kim.allen@sdcda.org.

Certified Legal Intern Program candidates for the Summer 2012 session must submit their applications by September 26, 2011.

For the Spring 2012 Legal Intern position, interviewing will take place through on campus interviewing at the local San Diego area law schools. For the Summer 2012 Legal Intern position, interviewing will take place either through on campus interviewing or through Skype/teleconferencing.

For the Fall 2012 Legal Intern position, recruitment information will be forthcoming.

Kim Allen, Employee Relations Office of the District Attorney 330 W. Broadway, Suite 1300 MS: D-421 San Diego, CA 92101

Dave Williams, Hiring Deputy Office of the District Attorney 330 W. Broadway MS: D-422 San Diego, CA 92101