Criminal/Community Justice Divisions Legal Internship Program

The Criminal and Community Justice Divisions offers volunteer internships for current law students and recent law school graduates (post-bar). The internship program offers an excellent opportunity for students to enhance their education by gaining “hands-on” experience. Legal interns also participate in office training sessions and may have opportunities to make court appearances during the internship. Interns will be assigned to a specific Unit and work exclusively with that Unit. All work is completed under the direct supervision of a Deputy City Attorney. Please click the following link for more information: Criminal Internship Program Fact and Information Sheet

Please submit your questions via email for Criminal or Community Justice Division Volunteer/internship to:

Criminal/Community Justice Divisions Volunteer Attorney & Internship Program Coordinators  

Heily Hernandez, Senior Chief Deputy City Attorney
Eric Pooch, Deputy City Attorney

If you attend a local law school, please check job/internship postings through your career services department. All internships are unpaid volunteer positions, for which some law schools may offer academic credit.

Please send your Criminal or Community Justice Division application materials, including a cover letter, current resume, unofficial transcript and short writing sample to cityattyinternprog@sandiego.gov

Criminal/Community Justice Divisions Volunteer Attorney Program

Volunteer attorneys assist Deputy City Attorneys in all stages of prosecuting misdemeanor offenses, including domestic violence, DUI's, thefts, graffiti, prostitution, drug related offenses, alcohol related crimes, batteries, sex crimes, consumer and environmental crimes, drug abatement and other misdemeanors. Volunteer attorneys assist with researching, writing and arguing pretrial motions, jury trial preparation and other special projects as assigned. Volunteer attorneys may have an opportunity to second chair motions, evidentiary hearings, and jury trials. All work is completed under the direct supervision of a Deputy City Attorney. Volunteer attorney positions are unpaid, however they provide aspiring criminal prosecutors with an opportunity to gain valuable legal experience working alongside our deputies. Volunteer attorneys typically work approximately 40 hours per week.

If you are interested in applying, please submit your application materials, including a cover letter, current resume, unofficial transcript and short writing sample to cityattyinternprog@sandiego.gov

Victim Services Advocate Volunteer

Are you a compassionate person who is interested in helping crime victims in your community? Do you want to learn more about how the criminal justice system works? Whether your passion is working directly with victims or behind-the-scenes support, the City Attorney's Office is looking for volunteers to assist with victim support in the Criminal and Community Justice Divisions.

Mentoring/coaching services, advocate support and providing access to a variety of resource information and referral services for victims, volunteers are able to help meet our mission for victim services by:

• Providing information to victims about court process
• Providing advocacy, referrals and resource materials to victims
• Liaise with attorneys, victim service coordinators and victims
• Providing case follow-up and check-in with victims
• Providing encouragement and inspirational support through the process

For more information, Victim Services Advocate Volunteer

Administrative Intern, General Crime Victims

Assist staff in the Office of the City Attorney Criminal Division with inquiries from victims and witnesses, preparation of court forms, court calendars, data entry from arrest reports and citations, conducting research, verifying report information, corresponding and communicating with victims, computer searches, providing accurate file documentation and various clerical and administrative duties. This opportunity provides practical experience for students pursuing a degree in Criminal Justice, interested in law school, or pursuing a career in law enforcement. Must be reliable and trustworthy with regard to all matters and maintain confidential information.

For more information, Administrative Intern, General Crime Victims