15 Law Internships for Undergraduates in San Diego
Internships offer college students a bridge between academic theory and the professional world by providing practical experience in a field of their choice. By stepping into a work environment, you enhance your resume and professional profile with tangible achievements, industry-relevant skills, and valuable networking connections. Ultimately, this exposure not only helps clarify long-term career goals but also improves your employability post-graduation by demonstrating competence and adaptability to future employers.
Why should I do a law internship in college?
A law internship allows students to apply classroom knowledge to cases, develop critical thinking and legal writing skills, and gain mentorship from practicing attorneys. These experiences make candidates far more competitive for both law school admissions and future job opportunities, as admissions committees and employers strongly value demonstrated commitment to the field. Internships also help you explore different legal specialties early, ensuring you make informed decisions about your academic and career paths. Furthermore, this practical exposure allows you to build a professional network for strong letters of recommendation while proving your dedication to the legal field.
San Diego offers several law internship opportunities for undergraduates that offer experience across practice areas such as criminal law, corporate law, public policy, and human rights. These opportunities allow you to work alongside attorneys, assist with case research, draft documents, and observe court proceedings. With so many options to consider, we have listed 15 law internships for undergraduates in San Diego to help you get started.
1. San Diego County District Attorney's Office - Undergraduate Student Worker
Location: Various District Attorney offices across San Diego County
Stipend: $16.90/hour
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive; cohort size varies based on department needs
Dates: Ongoing (Year-round placement)
Application Deadline: Rolling (Open until filled)
Eligibility: 18+ years old, enrolled full-time in an undergraduate program, 2.0+ GPA
The San Diego County District Attorney's Student Worker Program immerses you directly into the daily operations of a major prosecutor's office. You will explore topics like criminal justice, victim assistance, and local law enforcement operations. Throughout the program, you will assist with case preparation, manage administrative tasks, and support the family protection and victim assistance units. You are paid an hourly wage while gaining firsthand exposure to trial units such as Gangs, Sex Crimes, and Appellate divisions. By participating, you develop organizational skills, learn effective legal communication, and master the practical workflows required in a high-paced legal environment.
2. Ladder University Internship Program
Location: Remote
Cost/Stipend: Cost varies depending on the program type; financial aid is available / No stipend
Acceptance rate/cohort size: 10–25%; 70–100 students
Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year, including Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter
Application Deadline: Varies depending on the cohort; Spring (January), Summer (May), Fall (September), and Winter (November)
Eligibility: Undergraduates and gap year students who can work for 10–20 hours/week, for 8–12 weeks
The Ladder University Internship Program is an eight-week remote experience where you work directly with high-growth startups and nonprofits. You can choose to explore diverse fields such as artificial intelligence, machine learning, healthcare, finance, biotechnology, media, software engineering, and consulting. Throughout the program, you will engage in hands-on activities like building machine learning models, conducting market research, writing detailed reports, and creating business strategy presentations. A unique feature of this internship is your direct matching with startup founders from top organizations like Y Combinator and McKinsey, alongside weekly guidance from a dedicated Ladder coach. By the end of the program, you will have developed critical skills including data analysis, complex problem-solving, project management, and professional communication. Apply now!
3. U.S. Attorney's Office, Southern District of California - Student Trainee (Clerical)
Location: San Diego, California
Stipend: $17.75–$23.08/hour
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive; cohort size varies depending on office vacancies
Dates: Flexible (temporary or term appointment while enrolled in school)
Application Deadline: April 7
Eligibility: U.S. Citizens, at least 16 years old, enrolled at least half-time in school, with a minimum 2.5 GPA, and have 1 year of post-high school education or 6 months of general experience
The Student Trainee program is a paid federal internship where you work directly inside a prosecutor's office, giving you an inside look at the U.S. justice system. You will focus on the topics of legal administration, document management, and federal office operations. During your time there, you will operate office machines to produce documents, answer phone calls to route messages, and run special messenger trips. You will also sort and file important materials, which helps you learn vital organizational and self-management skills. By the end of the program, you will build problem-solving abilities and improve your attention to detail.
4. Casa Cornelia Law Center Undergraduate Internship
Location: San Diego
Stipend: Limited paid positions
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive; small cohort sizes
Dates: Summer: June – August; Fall: August – December; Spring: January – May
Application Deadline: Rolling basis
Eligibility: All undergraduate students
The Casa Cornelia Law Center Administrative Assistant Internship is a professional immersion into the operations of a nonprofit public interest law firm. It is designed for students who want to support humanitarian legal efforts without necessarily performing the tasks of a licensed attorney. As a law clerk, you’ll assist attorneys with legal research, client documentation, and case preparation in asylum and humanitarian matters. You may support administrative functions, helping with outreach, resource organization, and client services. Interns attend an orientation, may receive professional training, and can observe court proceedings, gaining hands-on experience in nonprofit legal advocacy for vulnerable communities.
5. San Diego County Office of the Public Defender – Paralegal Internship
Location: San Diego County Public Defender’s Office
Stipend: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive; typically, limited cohort sizes
Dates: Minimum 3 months; 16 hours/week (Fall/Spring) or 30 hours/week (Summer)
Application Deadline: Rolling basis
Eligibility: Current undergraduates majoring in Criminal Justice, Political Science, Sociology
In this internship, you will support defense attorneys by conducting legal research, organizing case files, and observing courtroom proceedings. The program emphasizes mentorship and exposure to criminal litigation strategy, where you will gain insight into trial preparation and client advocacy, and may assist with drafting motions or summaries. The internship is valuable for students interested in criminal defense. You will also develop practical skills such as evidence review, legal writing, and case analysis under attorney supervision. You may get the opportunity to attend strategy meetings or debrief sessions that provide a deeper understanding of how defense teams build arguments.
6. Legal Aid Society of San Diego (LASSD) - Undergraduate Volunteer Intern
Location: San Diego, CA (Offices in Midtown, Southeast, North County, and local courthouses)
Stipend: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; cohort size varies depending on the organization's needs
Dates: Year-round (Requires 4 to 7 hours per week for at least 2 months)
Application Deadline: Rolling basis
Eligibility: All undergraduate students
The Legal Aid Society of San Diego volunteer program allows you to help people who cannot afford a lawyer with their civil court cases. In this role, you will learn about everyday legal topics like evictions, restraining orders, and conservatorships. You will talk to clients, fill out official court forms, and help attorneys keep case files organized. You get to work right inside real courthouse clinics, giving you a firsthand look at how the local justice system works. By doing this, you will learn how to talk to people in crisis, understand basic legal paperwork, and see exactly how a courthouse runs.
7. Consumer Protection Policy Center Pre-Law Internship – University of San Diego
Location: Consumer Protection Policy Center, University of San Diego (San Diego, CA) Stipend: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive; approximately 5 interns at a time
Dates: 8–12 weeks; flexible start/end dates
Application Deadline: Typically, April
Eligibility: Current undergraduate juniors or seniors; must be in good academic standing
This pre-law internship is designed for undergraduates considering law school and offers structured exposure to legal research, policy analysis, and consumer-protection issues. You work alongside faculty and legal professionals while contributing to real research projects. The program emphasizes mentorship and academic skill development rather than clerical work. You may collaborate with teams analyzing legislation or preparing reports, and build foundational skills in legal writing, critical analysis, and professional communication through guided assignments and feedback. The experience often includes workshops or discussions on legal careers, law school preparation, and emerging policy challenges.
8. Federal Defenders of San Diego, Inc. (FDSDI) - Undergraduate Intern
Location: San Diego, California
Stipend: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive; small/mid-sized cohorts
Dates: 8–12 weeks; flexible start/end dates usually aligned with the academic summer (June–August)
Application Deadline: Rolling basis
Eligibility: Currently enrolled undergraduates; Spanish/English fluency is required for Investigator and Translation tracks
The FDSDI Undergraduate Internship immerses you directly into the high-stakes world of federal criminal defense. You will explore complex topics like constitutional rights, criminal procedure, and courtroom advocacy while working alongside seasoned public defenders. During your time in the program, you will observe jury selections, analyze case discovery materials, and create detailed timelines to assist with ongoing trial investigations. A truly unique feature of this internship is the rare opportunity for undergraduates to actively support real federal litigation. Ultimately, you will develop analytical skills, learn to build compelling case narratives, and learn to identify potential juror biases.
9. San Diego Volunteer Lawyer Program (SDVLP) - Clinic Intern
Location: San Diego, California
Stipend: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; cohort size varies depending on current clinic needs
Dates: Flexible (Year-round opportunities)
Application Deadline: Rolling basis
Eligibility: All undergraduate students
The Clinic Intern program at the San Diego Volunteer Lawyer Program gives you a practical path to support legal professionals in providing free assistance to low-income residents. You will deal with real-world topics like family law, domestic violence, tenant rights, restraining orders, and guardianship. During your time, you will conduct client intake interviews, complete necessary legal forms, assist staff attorneys with case preparation, and help translate for Spanish-speaking individuals. The program allows you to work directly with disadvantaged people on urgent cases, and as you complete these tasks, you will build essential problem-solving skills, improve your professional communication, and gain hands-on experience in basic legal procedures.
10. California Innocence Project
Location: California Western School of Law, San Diego, CA
Stipend: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; 5–6 Interns
Dates: Trimester-based (Summer, Fall, Spring)
Application Deadline: March 1 (Summer), July 1 (Fall), December 1 (Spring)
Eligibility: All undergraduate students
The California Innocence Project (CIP) offers internships for students interested in exploring criminal law and post-conviction work. You’ll assist with tasks such as legal research, organizing case materials, and helping with communication related to ongoing cases involving claims of wrongful conviction. You will be integrated into a legal team focused on reviewing and working toward the potential reversal of convictions. This experience is relevant for students who want exposure to the legal system, are interested in justice reform, and are looking for practical experience in casework.
11. Voices for Children (San Diego) - Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA)
Location: San Diego, California (and Riverside County)
Stipend: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; cohort size varies
Dates: Minimum 18-month commitment (10-15 hours per month)
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions
Eligibility: Must be at least 21 years old, possess a valid U.S. driver's license with at least two years of driving experience, have a reliable vehicle, pass comprehensive background and DMV checks, and have no conflicting involvement with the foster care system
In the Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) program, you step directly into the foster care system to focus on child advocacy, welfare policy, and courtroom procedures. During your 18-month commitment, you will meet monthly with your assigned youth, interview key stakeholders like teachers and social workers, and draft official reports detailing the child's living circumstances. You will also attend actual court hearings to present your findings and recommendations directly to the judge. You are officially sworn in by a judge as an officer of the court, granting you the legal authority to advocate for your specific child. Through this hands-on process, you learn essential legal writing, objective fact-finding, courtroom etiquette, and trauma-informed communication.
12. Jewish Family Service (JFS) San Diego - Immigration Student Intern
Location: San Diego, California (JFS offices or local college campuses)
Stipend: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; cohort size varies depending on department needs
Dates: Flexible (Requires a minimum of 10 hours per week for at least 3 months)
Application Deadline: Rolling (Positions usually fill up by early summer)
Eligibility: Current undergraduate students who are at least 18 years old
The Jewish Family Service Immigration Student Intern program offers you a hands-on introduction to the world of immigration law and humanitarian relief. During this internship, you will conduct initial client consultations, prepare immigration applications like DACA or naturalization, and provide essential administrative support to the legal team. You will also participate in education and outreach efforts to help the local community understand their legal rights. A unique feature of this program is that you work under the supervision of Immigration Attorneys and Department of Justice Accredited Representatives, sometimes even right on your own college campus.
13. ACLU of San Diego & Imperial Counties - Advocacy & Organizing Intern
Location: San Diego, California
Stipend: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive; usually 2–5 interns per term
Dates: Flexible (Spring, Summer, and Fall terms available)
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions (depends on the term)
Eligibility: Current undergraduate student with an interest in civil rights and social justice
The Advocacy and Organizing Internship at the ACLU gives you a front-row seat to how real community change happens. In this program, you will focus on important topics like immigrant rights, criminal justice reform, and housing fairness. As an intern, you will make phone calls to voters, write easy-to-read flyers for the public, and go to meetings with local community groups. A very special part of this program is its "integrated advocacy" approach, meaning you get to see how lawyers, lawmakers, and community leaders all work together to solve problems.
14. International Rescue Committee (IRC) San Diego - Resettlement Administrative Intern
Location: San Diego, California (El Cajon office)
Stipend: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; cohort size varies based on office needs
Dates: Spring, Summer, and Fall cohorts (typically 4 months long)
Application Deadline: Varies by term
Eligibility: Students enrolled in a relevant undergraduate program with English fluency
This program is an unpaid internship where you help new refugees settle into their lives in San Diego. It covers topics such as the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program, non-profit administration, and local community resources. You will schedule medical appointments, prepare digital case files, coordinate airport pickups, and create community guides. You work directly with families from all over the world and support them when they enter the country. Finally, you will learn how to manage service plans, improve your cross-cultural communication, and learn how a non-profit office operates.
15. Pathways to Citizenship San Diego - Undergraduate Internship
Location: San Diego, California
Stipend: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive; cohort size not specified
Dates: Fall (September – December)
Application Deadline: Rolling (Late July/August recommended)
Eligibility: College juniors or seniors who are at least 18 years old
In this internship, you will explore the world of immigration law and social justice to help vulnerable groups. You will learn about the real cultural and legal hurdles immigrants face when trying to build a life in America. As part of your daily work, you will update client details using professional legal software, research and write reports about living conditions in other countries, and help write funding grants. The program places you directly inside a busy nonprofit, letting you experience exactly how legal advocacy organizations operate on the ground.
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