Law Clerk (Work Experience Opportunity) - District Attorney's Office Unpaid (Fall 2026 Placement)

 Law Clerk (Law School Students)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 ATTORNEY'S 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 Office of the District Attorney, Law Clerk-Intern Program, is presently recruiting students to fulfill volunteer clerkship positions within the office for the Fall 2026 term.  

 
THE OPPORTUNITY
Successful candidates will be placed in one of twenty-one different prosecutorial units where they will work under the guidance of one or more experienced attorneys while they perform a variety of tasks related to the investigation and prosecution of criminal offenses.
 
The responsibilities, duties, and assignments will vary based on the needs of each individualized unit, but will typically involve:

• legal research 
• drafting legal briefs or oppositions to be filed in court 
• review of criminal case files and police reports 
• review and memorialization of various types of discovery
• exhibit organization
• attending and observing court proceedings
• various tasks associated with assisting a deputy district attorney in preparation of trials, hearings, and motions.

Law clerks who become certified with the State Bar of California may be given opportunities to conduct preliminary hearings or argue motions in court.
 
Clerkships with the Office of the District Attorney require a high degree of confidentiality and discretion due to the sensitivity of the cases.
 

POSITION REQUIREMENTS
Applicants must currently be:

• currently enrolled in a law school that is accredited by the American Bar Association (ABA) or the State Bar of California
• 18 years of age or older

SKILLS AND QUALIFICATIONS
Excellent written and oral communication skills. Strong organizational skills and ability to work independently and use good judgment. Ability to carry out projects and responsibilities to completion. Good computer skills.
 

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.
 
Minimum of 12 hours per week for 3 - 4 months. Hours must be scheduled during regular business hours (Monday through Friday between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m.). Applicants who can 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@ocdistrictattorney.gov.
 
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 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. 
 
Students are encouraged to apply as soon as possible. Internship recruitments may close at any time.
 

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 driver's 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 LAW CLERKS
Although the position is unpaid and does not lead to permanent employment or include employee benefits, it is an excellent opportunity for students 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