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LEGAL INTERNSHIPS

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The primary duties of the law student Internship include, but are not limited to:
 

• 12-hour Dependency Law training
• Participate in supervised practical training and provide support to the firm
• Weekly court observation
• If client consents, make court appearances
• Assist attorneys with creating effective case strategy, including interviewing witnesses, drafting oral arguments, reviewing evidence, and writing motions
• Communicate with clients in child-friendly, age-appropriate ways – exercising best practices in discussing sensitive/traumatic topics
• Conduct legal research
• Practice a holistic model of client representation, considering factors including an analysis of their client’s mental health, educational needs, emotional development, important relationships, and cultural roots
• Assist with communication with caregivers, social workers, and dependency counsel to obtain case plan and visitation progress on cases involving infants and toddlers
• Develop expertise in child-friendly, trauma-informed, and culturally sensitive, interviewing skills;
• Participate in ongoing training to ensure a deep understanding of relevant local, state, and federal statutes, case law, and legal obligations under the California Welfare and Institutions Code
• Comply with the Rules of Professional Conduct and all other authority regarding legal ethics
• Perform other duties as assigned or required
• Attend and actively participate in all meetings held by Judicial Council
 

Qualifications:
• Applicants must currently be enrolled in an accredited law school
• Be eligible and willing to work as a certified law student through the California State Bar Practical Training of Law Students Program (PTLS). This includes ability to maintain PTLS certification pursuant California Rules of Court, Rule 9.42 and Rules of the State Bar, Title 3, Division 1, Chapter 1
• The ability to maintain strict confidentiality of sensitive information
• The ability to understand new concepts and apply them accurately
• The ability to follow general and detailed instructions as well as organizational policies and procedures
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to enable effective interface with internal and external professionals
• The ability to work independently or in a team environment
• A valid California driver’s license, reliable automobile, automobile insurance as required by California law, is required at all times while working for Children’s Legal Services of San Diego. Our juvenile courthouses are located in Kearny Mesa, El Cajon, and Vista. We also travel throughout the county to visit our clients in their homes.
• Ability to communicate and desire for continuing education, in a trauma-informed and culturally appropriate manner with persons of diverse backgrounds, including race, ethnicity, SOGIE, socioeconomic status, culture, etc.

Salary: unpaid; student must be earning school credit
Hours: 16 – 30 hours per week

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TO APPLY, PLEASE SEND THE FOLLOWING APPLICATION MATERIALS TO CAROL.LEON@CLSSANDIEGO.ORG
• COVER LETTER
• RESUME
• UNOFFICIAL LAW SCHOOL TRANSCRIPT
• CLSSD SUPPLEMENTAL APPLICATION

Children’s Legal Services of San Diego, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, national origin, ancestry, disability, medical condition, age, or gender identity, or any other characteristic protected by law.​

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​Applications are now closed.

Please check back for future opportunities.