The District Attorney's Office is open from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday.
All applicants must pass a criminal background check prior to being accepted into any of these programs.
Application deadlines are as follows:
November 15 Spring Session (Jan. — April)
March 15 Summer Session (May — Aug.)
July 15 Fall Session (Sept. — Dec.)
The District Attorney's Office has three volunteer/intern programs. These are non-paid positions. See below for a brief description of each:
Law Interns:
We have three types of Law Interns: General Law Interns, Appellate Services Unit Law Interns and Volunteer Attorneys. Below are the descriptions of each:
(1) Law Interns - General
These law interns will be assigned to assist our various trial attorneys throughout the county. They should have some legal education. Depending on the level of legal education, law interns can be assigned a variety of duties from research and writing to limited court appearances. Certified interns may be assigned to argue motions or preliminary hearings. (See the California State Bar Website for certification requirements and information on the Practical Training of Law Students Program.)
(2) Law Interns - Appellate Services Unit
Law interns assigned to this specialty unit will assist in researching novel legal issues, writing pleadings and memos for distribution both within the District Attorney's office and to local law enforcement agencies, drafting and compilation of practice guides and will provide general support to unit attorneys. This unit practices before the superior court, the local appellate division, the state Court of Appeal and the Supreme Court of California. The Appellate Services Unit litigates petitions for habeas corpus relief, recusal motions, and a variety of specialized motions and hearings. Excellent research and writing skills are required as is attention to detail and thoughtfulness when presented with challenging legal questions. Certified law interns may have the opportunity to litigate certain matters as opportunities arise.
(3) Law Interns - Volunteer Attorneys
Volunteer Attorneys are those who have passed the Bar, have their licenses, and wish to do an internship with our office. Volunteer Attorneys may be assigned tasks that include: research, writing and arguing motions; presenting preliminary hearings; and handling misdemeanor cases. They would be Specially Deputized so that they may perform these functions.
Prospective candidates should submit a cover letter, resume, the intern application, and a writing sample.
Victim Services Volunteers
Victim Services Volunteers will be assigned to assist Victim Services Advocates. They should have an interest in assisting victims and witnesses of crimes. No special education or experience is necessary. However, depending on the level of experience, Victim Services Volunteers may be assigned to assist with clerical work, contacting victims and witnesses or accompanying them to court. Non-paid student intern programs are also available.
General Volunteers
If you are interested in volunteering your time to assist in any capacity at the District Attorney's Office, you may apply to be a General Volunteer. No special education or background is necessary. However, these positions will be granted on a case-by-case basis depending on office needs.