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. We have four programs for law students. Each program provides 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 2.0
  • 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:

  • 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 2.0
  • 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

Added highlights include:

  • Assigned one-on-one mentor
  • Opportunity to second-chair a trial
  • Summer Closing Argument Competition
  • Team building events

The requirements and details of the 1L Scholar Program are as follows:

  • 1L status
  • Minimum grade point average of 2.0
  • Subject to background clearance
  • Ability to work a minimum of 20 hours per week for 8 weeks during the summer
  • Paid position, with option to alternatively apply it toward school credit

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.

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

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 and 1L Scholar Program have their 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

2025 Application Deadlines

Fall 2024 Application Period: Closed

Spring & Summer 2025 Application Period: July 1, 2024- August 31, 2024 (If applying for both semesters, only one application is needed. Please indicate Spring/Summer or both on application materials.)

Fall 2025 Application Period: To be determined

2025 1L Legal Scholar: January 2025

For General Questions

Please e-mail us at recruiting@sdcda.org