Law Student Intern (Unpaid)

PositionLaw Student Intern (Unpaid)Office of County Counsel 
This internship recruitment will remain posted on a continuous basis until the needs of the department are met. 

OFFICE OF COUNTY COUNSEL
The Office of County Counsel serves as legal counsel for the County of Orange and represents the Board of Supervisors, County officers, and County departments. The County Counsel’s mission is to provide the highest quality legal advice and representation to the Board of Supervisors, elected and appointed department heads, County agencies, their departments and staff, and Board-governed special districts.

THE OPPORTUNITY
Selected interns will have the opportunity to participate in-person or arrange a hybrid schedule. Interns will work under the guidance of one or more experienced attorneys while performing a variety of tasks related to the representation of county agencies. Assignments will be available in various areas of the office which may include:

• Advisory
• Litigation
• Child Protection Trials
• Child Protection Appeals
• LPS/Probate

The responsibilities, duties, and assignments will vary based on the needs of each individualized unit, but will typically involve:

• Legal research
• Drafting legal memoranda
• Assisting with motions and petitions to be filed in court
• Attending and observing court proceedings
• Attending and observing meetings
• Various tasks associated with assisting a Deputy County Counsel in preparation of trials, hearings, and motions.

Interns will work out of the main office at 400 West Civic Center Drive, Santa Ana, CA 92701 or the Lamoreaux Justice Center at 341 The City Drive, Rm. C-106, Orange, CA 92868.

Law clerks who become certified with the State Bar of California may be given opportunities to participate in court proceedings.

POSITION REQUIREMENTS
Applicants must 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
Internships generally run two to three months in duration and two to four days per week for up to eight (8) hours per day. Selected interns will have the opportunity to participate in-person, however a hybrid position may be arranged. Daily schedules are flexible depending on work assignment, but intern hours must fall between 7:00 am and 5:00 pm. Applicants able to schedule the maximum hours/duration listed for this internship typically gain a more in-depth experience.

APPLICATION PROCEDUE
Please apply by submitting a cover letter, resume, and unofficial transcripts in PDF format via email to interncoordinator@coco.oc.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 internship experience they are seeking.

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, 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 INTERN
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 representing governmental agencies. This is a great opportunity to enhance skills, build resumes, apply academic knowledge and explore career options.