Law Student - Government in Vista, CA

Job Description:
Judicial Internship Program, Summer
The intern will be placed in the Probate Division. The program provides law students with a behind-the-scenes view of the practice of law in the Superior Court. The program also provides opportunities for students to apply the knowledge they gained from law school to currently pending court cases, and to enhance their understanding of the Court's expectations of attorneys in the practice of law. Students accepted into the program are assigned to Court Legal Services Staff Attorney mentors. Interns assist staff attorneys with reviewing and analyzing motions and oppositions, conducting legal research, discussing the issues with staff attorneys (and judges as appropriate), and drafting confidential written memoranda and recommendations for the judges' review. In the criminal division, students also receive the opportunity to gain experience in analyzing petitions for various writs and other motions presented by incarcerated prisoners, and researching and drafting proposed orders for the judges' review. Staff Attorney mentors review the memorandums and proposed orders before they are presented for final approval. Additionally, students are encouraged to observe a variety of courtroom proceedings. By observing courtroom proceedings, students receive the opportunity to gain an appreciation for the wide array of lawyering skills that unfold in the courtroom setting, and to gain insight on their own preferences for implementing those skills in the future. Law students in second or third year of study will be preferred. To complete the internship program, students generally must serve 12+ weeks and 20+ hours per week in their respective assignments.

Application Deadline: January 15

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