Internships

One of the most exciting components of our J.D. program is the opportunity to earn credit by volunteering in a legal environment. Students learn by doing, as they prepare documents, perform research, interview clients, or assist in trial preparation under the supervision of judges or attorneys. One unit of Legal Internship is required for graduation.

Students choose, based on their professional aspirations, from a variety of internship sites. Some work for judges as law clerks. Others intern with public law offices like the District Attorney and Public Defender, legal services organizations, or law firms (handling pro bono matters).

Third- or Fourth-Year students may also apply for certification under the Rules for Practical Training of Law Students, which permit students to give legal advice or appear in court under the direct supervision of a qualified attorney. More information can be found on the State Bar website.