The Certified Legal Intern Program of the San Francisco 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 Assistant District Attorneys in all phases of prosecution. Interns may be assigned to work in any one of a variety of divisions within the office, as well as to any of the locations served by the office, according to staffing needs.

In addition to the Hall of Justice, branch offices are located at the Juvenile Youth Guidance Center, the Special Operations Department and the Community Justice Court. In an effort to broaden the legal experience, the intern is given the opportunity to rotate into different assignments within the office to assist in their legal proficiency and expertise in particular practice areas.

Students who apply for this program must be prepared to spend a minimum of 20 hours per week in their assignments. While consecutive days are desirable, they are not mandatory.

Eligibility Requirements:

1. Students must be completed with courses in Civil Procedure and Evidence.
2. Must apply for and be certified by the State Bar of California. Certification allows interns to research, write, and argue motions, and present evidence at suppression motions and conduct hearings in the Superior Court under the direct supervision of an experienced prosecutor. Additionally, interns may gain valuable experience in preparation of high profile cases or assist in the preparation of serious felony cases including such crimes as rape, felony assault, kidnap or murder trials.

The District Attorney’s Summer Law Clerk Program is designed to recruit the most qualified 2L law clerks and train them for highly skilled legal work within the office. This program is only offered in the summer, and only 2Ls are eligible to apply.

The program is designed as an intensive 12-week training program to provide 2L clerks with exposure to the different units within the office and the practical experience necessary to become effective litigators. Through the program, our Summer Clerks are asked to tackle demanding legal research and writing assignments, litigate motions, conduct evidentiary hearings, and assist attorneys in case preparation for trial. Additionally, Summer Clerks will receive extensive training to assist in their legal proficiency and expertise in particular practice areas.

A limited number of Summer Law Clerks will be eligible to receive a stipend for successful completion of their duties.

Eligibility Requirements:

1. Students must have completed courses in Civil Procedure and Evidence.
2. Must apply for and be certified by the State Bar of California.* Such certification status allows those Certified Legal Interns to research, write, and argue motions, present evidence at suppression motions and conduct hearings in the Superior Court under the direct supervision of an experienced prosecutor. Additionally a Certified Legal Intern may gain valuable experience in preparation of high profile cases or assist in the preparation of serious felony cases including such crimes as rape, felony assault, kidnap or murder trials.