Legal Intern - District Attorneys Office Unpaid (Fall 2026 Placement)
Location: Santa Ana Job Type: Unpaid Intern Job Number: 0000IN-0723-026 (O) Department: District Attorney Opening Date: 09/28/2022 Closing Date: Continuous
Description
Benefits
CAREER DESCRIPTION Position: Legal Intern Office: Office of the District Attorney
Applications are currently being accepted for Fall 2026 placement. Students who apply will be placed on a waiting list and may be contacted for an interview by the Department at a future date.
DISTRICT ATTORNEYS OFFICE The Office of the District Attorney represents the People of the State of California in some civil and in all criminal proceedings. The mission of the Office of the District Attorney is to enhance public safety and welfare and to protect and respect crime victims and create security in the community through vigorous enforcement of criminal and civil laws in a just, honest, efficient and ethical manner.
THE OPPORTUNITY Duties will vary depending upon qualifications and academic level of the applicant. Interns will work with trial attorneys, investigators, investigative assistants and paralegals. Assignments may include the following:
Internship positions with the District Attorneys Office require a high degree of confidentiality and discretion due to the sensitivity of the cases.
POSITION REQUIREMENTS Applicants must currently meet the following requirements:
SKILLS AND QUALIFICATIONS
TIME COMMITMENT The nature of the work being handled by the Office of the District Attorney necessitates that the volunteers come into the office. Remote work is not available.
Students who apply will only be considered for Fall 2026 placement. Placement prior to Fall 2026 cannot be accommodated at this time.
Applicants able to schedule the maximum hours/duration listed for this internship typically gain a more in-depth experience.
NOTE: While being engaged with the OCDA Law Clerk-Intern Program, students cannot fulfill clerkships or other legal employment without prior approval from OCDA.
APPLICATION PROCEDURE Please apply by submitting a cover letter, resume, and unofficial transcripts in PDF format via email to Director-LCIProgram@ocdapa.org.
The cover letter is an opportunity for students to describe career and academic goals, to elaborate upon personal and academic accomplishments, and to identify what type of internship experience they are seeking. Learn more about what to include in a cover letter on our website here.
Students who meet the above requirements will be placed on a waiting list and may be interviewed by the Department at a future date. Applications that do not include a cover letter, resume, and unofficial transcripts will not be considered. Only submit one application per term. Internship recruitments may close at any time. Students are encouraged to apply as soon as possible.
REQUIRED BACKGROUND SCREENING/REFERENCE CHECK Applicants must pass a background investigation to the satisfaction of the agency prior to placement. If selected for applicants must provide a copy of their state-issued drivers license and Social Security card with their background material. Since background investigations take time to complete, applicants are encouraged to apply early.
BENEFITS AVAILABLE TO INTERN Although the position is unpaid and does not lead to permanent employment or include employee benefits, it is an excellent opportunity for students or recent graduates to gain knowledge in the fields of criminal and civil law, and insight into the internal workings of law enforcement and the California justice system. This is a great opportunity to enhance skills, build resumes, apply academic knowledge and explore career options.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION Internship recruitments may close at anytime. Students are encouraged to apply as soon as possible.
EMAIL NOTIFICATION Email is the primary form of notification during the recruitment process. Please ensure your correct email address is included in our application and use only one email account.
NOTE: User accounts are established for one person only and should not be shared with another person. Multiple applications with multiple users may jeopardize your status in the recruitment process for any positions for which you apply.
Candidates will be notified regarding their status as the recruitment proceeds via email through the GovernmentJobs.com site. Please check your email folders, including spam/junk folders, and/or accept emails ending with "governmentjobs.com" and "ocgov.com." If your email address should change, please update your profile at www.governmentjobs.com.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS For additional internship postings, please check our Web site at the following link: https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/oc/internships Click here for additional Frequently Asked Questions.
For specific information pertaining to this recruitment, please contact Director-LCIProgram@ocdapa.org.
EEO INFORMATION Orange County, as an equal employment opportunity employer, encourages applicants from diverse backgrounds to apply. This position does not offer any benefits. If you have any questions, please contact the recruiter for this position. The recruiter should be listed on the Job Posting.
Employer Information County: Orange Address: 400 W CIVIC CENTER DRIVE, Santa Ana, California, 92701 Phone: 714-834-2555 Website: https://hrs.oc.gov