Practice Area

Legal Interns may work in either the Adult Criminal Divisions or in the Juvenile Delinquency Divisions.

Adult Criminal Divisions

The Adult Criminal Divisions provide quality legal representation to adults accused of felony and misdemeanor offenses. As San Diego’s largest criminal defense firm, we annually serve over 120,000 indigent clients throughout the county with a staff of over 220 lawyers.

The Adult Criminal Divisions programs provide exposure to all types of criminal cases as well as 'real-life' experience on how to defend people facing prosecution. Interns experience hands-on work with attorneys and investigators, interact with numerous clients, assist with case organization and research, prepare motions and other written documents for the benefit of actual clients, and attend a variety of court hearings. Students who are PTLS certified by the State Bar may be able to appear in court and represent clients under the supervision of an attorney. In short, certified interns gain practical litigation experience, interact with judges and the local bar, and learn skills that will set them far above their peers.

Juvenile Delinquency Divisions

These offices are responsible for defending juveniles accused of committing crimes in the County of San Diego. Juvenile Court is located in the Kearny Mesa area of San Diego. The offices are located approximately 4 miles from the courthouse, so interns must have their own transportation.

Legal interns are assigned to actual cases and are supervised by the attorney working on those cases. The program stresses working directly with clients and their families, as well as close contact with the attorney of record and their assigned investigator. Interns begin each day with a variety of court appearances which may include arguing motions and potentially participating in bench trials. They then return to the office to complete research and writing assignments, meet with clients, and prepare for future court hearings.

Minimum Requirements

• 2L and 3L students are preferred, but there are a limited number of positions for 1Ls in the Summer Intern
  Program.
• Students PTLS certified by the California State Bar are preferred.
• Interns must commit a minimum of 16 hours per week during school semesters and a minimum of 32 hours per
  week during the summer. Given court schedules, students should have blocks of time available (i.e. 8 am-12 pm
  or 1 pm– 5 pm).

For more information or questions about internship, Post-Bar, or employment opportunities at the San Diego County Public Defender’s Office, please email PDIntern.Recruitment@sdcounty.ca.gov.