what does a district attorney intern do

by Ferne Brekke 6 min read

First and foremost, working at the District Attorney’s Office is a fun and rewarding experience. As an intern, it is expected that you work with care and diligence in completing your assignments. In return, the attorneys and personnel in the office act as mentors to guide you through the oftentimes difficult work.

Interns routinely accompany prosecutors to court to observe and help with court dockets, hearings, and trials. Interns may also be required to complete additional assignments, specific projects, or observations as prescribed by their school or professors.

Full Answer

Can you intern during law school?

Work experience is integral for many undergraduates who are trying to get into competitive law schools—and indeed it may be the extra that gets them where they want to go over other applications—but internships while you are a law student help reinforce your education as well as help you get a job later.

What is a law intern called?

In the United States, a judicial intern (also commonly known as a "judicial extern" or "extern law clerk") is usually a law student or sometimes a recent law school graduate who provides assistance to a judge and/or law clerks in researching and writing issues before the court.

Do law interns get paid?

An entry-level Legal Intern with less than 1 year experience can expect to earn an average total compensation (includes tips, bonus, and overtime pay) of ₹100,000 based on 5 salaries. An early career Legal Intern with 1-4 years of experience earns an average total compensation of ₹200,000 based on 10 salaries.

What do you learn as a legal intern?

Legal interns can look up various cases, statutes, and other legal literature that is at issue in a particular case and draft memos that help the attorneys working on the case to understand what the law says on those issues and how to craft arguments that will help their clients.

How do you describe a legal internship on a resume?

Knowledgeable and results-driven Law student with experience in conducting detailed legal research, preparing and reviewing complex licenses agreements, and participating in negotiation meetings. Effective communicator with extensive knowledge of the law and legal procedures and well-developed critical thinking skills.

What does a legal trainee do?

Drafting letters and emails to clients. Conducting legal research. Bundling (i.e. preparing a folder of court documents). Drafting and negotiating legal documents, such as NDAs, contracts, and submissions.

What is the job description of a law clerk?

Law Clerk responsibilities include preparing legal documents, conducting legal research and analysis and compiling case materials for Lawyers and Judges. Ultimately, you will work with various Lawyers and Judges to ensure they can do their duties as efficiently and effectively as possible.

What is the job description of a legal assistant?

A Legal Assistant is a professional who conducts legal research, drafts documents, emails, and signatures for lawyers when they're unable to. Overall, they're responsible for supporting lawyers and making their job easier by handling administrative tasks.

What is a court intern?

A court intern assists the three prosecutors and investigator assigned to the court with any needed legal research and briefing, investigation of the cases through actual witness contacts, preparation of the cases for trial, taking notes in the courtroom and helping where needed during the trial.

What do you do as a prosecutor?

Observe and be a part of ongoing trials, motions, hearings. Assist the prosecutors and investigators with: legal research and briefing, investigation of cases, preparation for trial, and taking notes in interviews or the courtroom. Perform pre-trial tasks like discovery, redactions, filing motions, subpoenaing records.

What does a district attorney do?

A district attorney leads a team of assistant district attorneys (ADAs), investigators and administrative support staff as they collectively seek to prosecute criminals, prevent crimes, and support/give a voice to the victims of crime. In fact, one could say that a district attorney controls the majority of decisions within our criminal justice system. For instance, the DA’s office works closely with law enforcement agencies and to piece together all of the evidence for a given case. The district attorney’s office also decides who to charge, what crime (s) to charge them with, whether to offer a plea deal or take a case to trial. District attorneys even provide recommendations to the court for sentencing.

What is the role of the DA in a criminal case?

After law enforcement makes an arrest, the DA’s office works alongside law enforcement to carefully review all the facts and evidence about a given case. While an arrest only requires law enforcement officers to have probable cause, a criminal trial requires prosecutors to have enough evidence to establish that each and every element of a crime can be proven beyond and to the exclusion of any reasonable doubt. Prosecuting violent and dangerous crimes is a priority for DA offices, as they seek to maintain public safety.

What is the purpose of the reentry program?

Helping those with prior convictions to find job and re-enter society safely and effectively.

What does the DA do?

Yes, that’s a major part of the job, but the DA’s office also has other responsibilities, such as working to prevent crime and protecting and supporting crime victims.

Do prosecutor jobs get easier?

Prosecutors are notoriously swamped with cases, cases, and more cases. And prosecuting these cases requires skill, practice and time. While the job itself may never get any easier, we do live during a time when technology is available to alleviate some of the manual workload.

Does a district attorney have a term limit?

However, the position of district attorney has no term limits, so some district attorneys remain in their roles for decades. How does the district attorney’s office work proactively in the community? Many people think of the DA’s office as a place where lawyers work to prosecute and convict criminals.

5 Things I Have Learned Being An Intern At The District Attorneys

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What does an intern do in the D.A. office?

Another benefit of working in the D.A. office is that interns have the opportunity to observe the criminal justice process at its best, including jury selection, opening, direct and cross examination, and closing statements. Additionally, interns will learn not just to write motions, but to write persuasively from the perspective of a prosecutor.

What is it like to work at the District Attorney's Office?

First and foremost, working at the District Attorney’s Office is a fun and rewarding experience. As an intern, it is expected that you work with care and diligence in completing your assignments. In return, the attorneys and personnel in the office act as mentors to guide you through the oftentimes difficult work. We expect you will want to make a favorable and long-lasting impression on us. We hope to do the same.

How to become a deputy district attorney in Yolo County?

For those interested in deputy district attorney positions in Yolo County, please note that we do not consider applications until passage of the California State Bar. Send a resume and cover letter to our Office and also complete a Yolo County application and send it to the Yolo County Human Resources Department. Applications can be submitted online at

What is an intern?

Interns are involved in a wide variety of cases, both misdemeanor and felony. A day in the life of a typical intern involves drafting motions and memoranda of points and authorities, conducting research on complicated legal issues, and, if you are certified, arguing the People’s position in the courtroom.

Where to intern in Yolo County?

The Yolo County District Attorney’s office is the ideal place to intern if you are interested in criminal prosecution. Their staff is amazing! From dealing with the chief deputy district attorney, to the legal interns, they are all courteous, friendly people who are engaging and willing to lend a helping hand and answer any questions you may have. The Yolo district attorneys are zealous advocates who are well versed in the law and are passionate about the work that they do. The office works as a team and they always make you feel included and valued. The staff provides thorough instructions and helpful feedback on assignments. Their passion for justice is truly infectious. You will be challenged but the learning experience will be rewarding. You will be greatly inspired after working with the Yolo District Attorney’s Office.

When did I intern at Yolo County District Attorney?

I interned with the Yolo County District Attorney’s Office in the spring of 2009. I was immediately made to feel welcome into what you will find is a hardworking, but easily approachable group of Deputy District Attorneys.

How many hours do you have to work to get an internship in the fall?

If you are interested in a fall part time internship, please apply, as outlined below, between May 1 – June 15. You must commit to 12+ hours/week and also commit to working in the fall and spring semesters.

What is summer internship?

Summer Internship Program. Depending on the assignment, students may assist in investigations, hearings and trials; prepare, compile and analyze legal and non-legal documents and financial data; perform research, observe witness interviews, participate in community outreach programs and attend trials.

What is an internship in Manhattan?

The internship enables college students to gain first-hand exposure to the criminal justice system and local law enforcement in the borough of Manhattan. Students work closely with Assistant District Attorneys and other staff who are investigating and prosecuting criminal cases, providing support to crime victims, assisting with investigations, and analyzing pending legislation, among other tasks. Internship assignments will be based upon the student’s interests, skills, and the needs of the office.

How many days do you have to work to get a summer internship?

The dates of the summer program are fixed each year. Semester interns are required to work at least one full day and a half day on a weekly basis.

When is the deadline for summer internships?

Summer Intern Program: We begin accepting applications for the Summer Program on February 1st and the deadline is February 15th (5:00pm EST). Fall Semester (September – December): We begin accepting applications for internships on May 1st and the deadline is June 1st.

What are the requirements for an internship?

Applicants should have a solid academic record, but we consider academic performance to be only one indicator of an applicant’s potential. Equally important are the qualities of personal character, integrity, judgment, and maturity.

How many years of college do you need to be a summer intern?

Eligibility : College sophomores and juniors are eligible to apply to the summer internship program. Applicants must have completed a minimum of two years of college by the time the internship commences. All applications must be submitted online.

What do students do in a criminal justice case?

Depending on the assignment, students may assist in investigations, hearings and trials; prepare, compile and analyze legal and non-legal documents and financial data; perform research, observe witness interviews, participate in community outreach programs and attend trials.

What is a district attorney?

District attorneys, sometimes called county attorneys, state attorneys, or prosecutors, are responsible for representing the government against criminal offenders in court. In many places, a district attorney must be elected into the position. At the federal level, a district attorney is called a U.S. Attorney.

What Education Do I Need to Become a District Attorney?

It takes approximately seven years to become a lawyer. Four years consist of undergraduate studies and the remaining three years are spent in law school. Most states require potential lawyers to be graduates of an American Bar Association (ABA) accredited school to qualify for admission to the bar.

What is the job of a lawyer?

A lawyer can work in a variety of settings and specialize in many different areas. For example, a lawyer can specialize in family law and concentrate their practice in adoption, child support, and divorce. Some specialize in public-interest law, fighting with, or for, non-profit organizations and disadvantaged people. Other lawyers may choose environmental law, joining forces with government programs, advocacy groups, and waste-management facilities to defend nature and uphold laws designed to protect the planet.

Do You Have to Have Licensure to Practice as a District Attorney?

Required licensure for a district attorney involves the successful completion of one or more bar exams and admission into his or her state's bar association. The lawyer can then provide services within the state where he or she is approved. Circumstances that may prevent a student from admittance into a bar association are academic concerns, substance abuse, and legal offenses. A lawyer is also typically obligated to fulfill continuing education requirements to maintain active licensure and remain current in his or her area of expertise.

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What Is A District Attorney?

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A district attorney typically works for a county or state government and acts as the prosecutor in criminal cases. Each state maintains a justice department responsible for criminal prosecutions. Cities, towns and counties also maintain justice departments responsible for prosecuting crimes against local and state or…
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Requirements For A District Attorney

  • Here are the requirements that aspiring district attorneys need to fulfill before finding work in the field:
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Work Environment For District Attorneys

  • While much of a district attorney's job can take place in a legal office, they can also work in other locations like libraries and courtrooms. Because district attorneys typically work for counties and state governments, they often collaborate with other professionals, like specialists and paralegals, to gather evidence to use in criminal prosecutions. While district attorneys usually have full-tim…
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Salary and Job Outlook For District Attorneys

  • The national average salary for attorneys in the United States, including district attorneys, is currently $94,578 per year, which is a very competitive salary. However, the compensation that a district attorney receives can vary depending on their education level, experience and skills obtained throughout their career. Attorneys also typically receive employment benefits in additio…
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