15 Law Internships for Undergraduates in San Diego
- Stephen Turban
- Aug 21
- 12 min read
Updated: Oct 14
Internships are a solid option for college students interested in the legal field, offering hands-on experience that bridges classroom learning with real-world application. Students gain valuable connections with attorneys, judges, and legal professionals, contacts that can support their careers long after the internship ends. Law internships also make a strong impression on resumes, demonstrating initiative, competence, and a clear interest in the field.
When it comes to exploring a law internship, students should consider their academic focus, career goals, and the type of legal environment they want to experience , such as public interest, criminal defense, or corporate law. To make the process easier, we’ve narrowed down our list of top law internships for undergraduates in San Diego. We focused on programs that offer prestige through association with respected legal organizations and opportunities to network with legal professionals and alumni. If you’re looking for more prestigious internships, check out this set of blogs!
15 Law Internships for Undergraduates in San Diego
Location: Remote! You can work from anywhere in the world.
Application deadline: Deadlines vary depending on the cohort. Spring (January), Summer (May), Fall (September), and Winter (November)
Program dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year, including Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter
Eligibility: Students who can work for 10–20 hours/week, for 8–12 weeks. Open to high school students, undergraduates, and gap year students!
Ladder Internships is a selective start-up internship program for ambitious high school students! In the program, you work with a high-growth start-up on an internship. Start-ups that offer internships range across a variety of industries, from tech/deep tech and AI/ML to health tech, marketing, journalism, consulting, and more. You can explore all the options here on their application form. Ladder’s start-ups are high-growth companies on average raising over a million dollars. In the program, interns work closely with their managers and a Ladder Coach on real-world projects and present their work to the company. Here is the application form. The virtual internship is usually 8 weeks long.
Location: USD School of Law or Centers for Public Interest Law, San Diego CA
Cost/Stipend: No cost, no stipend provided
Application Deadline: June 6
Program Dates: Internship opportunities are based on project availability within CAI (and other Centers). At times during the year, there may be no internship opportunities with one or more of the Centers.
Eligibility: Applicants must have a genuine interest in pursuing a legal education, be a junior or senior in college, and be in good academic standing
USD’s Pre-Law Internship with the Children’s Advocacy Institute offers direct exposure to legal work centered on children’s rights. As an intern, you will work under the guidance of practicing attorneys and advocates, participating in research, policy analysis, and advocacy projects related to child welfare. The experience is designed for undergraduates considering law school or a legal career, particularly in public interest law.
The program is currently competitive and unpaid. While the focus is on children’s law, the internship allows you to develop practical skills, observe the professional environment, and assess your interest in legal careers.
Location: Opportunities available in Los Angeles, Oakland, Sacramento, San Diego, San Francisco, Fresno, and some remote/hybrid options.
Cost/Stipend: Most internships are unpaid volunteer positions for students! Check the specific internship page for more information on cost.
Application Deadline: Applications are typically considered on a rolling basis, with priority given before posted deadlines (e.g., summer: January 31 or earlier; spring: November; fall: July). Section-specific deadlines vary.
Program Dates: Internships are available year-round (spring, summer, fall)
Eligibility: Open to undergraduate and graduate students, as well as law students. Some programs specify law school enrollment; sections like Civil Rights Enforcement welcome undergraduates. Non-student volunteers may also apply.
The State of California Department of Justice (DOJ) offers a wide range of internship and student volunteer opportunities across its offices in major California cities. As an intern within the DOJ, you will assist attorneys and staff with substantive legal and policy matters tailored to the division you join. Common assignments include legal research, writing memoranda, reviewing evidence, supporting investigations, and preparing for hearings or client meetings. The experience is geared toward individuals interested in public service law, policy, and government practice.
Most placements are designed for law students, but several sections , including Civil Rights Enforcement, accept undergraduate and graduate students. The work allows you to build research and writing skills, observe public service lawyering, and clarify your professional interests in law, policy, or advocacy.
Location: California Western School of Law, San Diego, CA
Cost/Stipend: Not specified
Application Deadline: March (Summer) | July (Fall) | November (Spring)
Program Dates: Spring, Summer, and Fall sessions (exact dates vary)
Eligibility: High school, college, law, and post-bar students
The California Innocence Project (CIP) offers internships for students interested in exploring criminal law and post-conviction work. As an intern, 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’ll be asked to commit between 15 and 35 hours per week and will receive training to help you understand the legal and factual background of the cases you’ll be supporting. Interns are integrated into a legal team focused on reviewing and working toward the potential reversal of convictions. This experience is particularly relevant for students who want exposure to the legal system, are interested in justice reform, and are looking for practical experience in casework.
Location: Various District Attorney offices across San Diego County
Cost/Stipend: Paid; hourly rate based on education level, starting at $16.50 per hour
Application Deadline: Open until filled
Program Dates: Ongoing; part-time during the academic year
Eligibility: Full-time students at a local high school, vocational program, or accredited college/university; must be at least 18 years old and maintain a minimum 2.0 GPA
The San Diego County District Attorney’s Student Worker Program offers part-time, paid roles for students interested in learning more about the criminal justice system. In this position, you’ll handle routine administrative duties such as entering data, scanning documents, and organizing files to support the office’s daily functions.
Opportunities are available at various sites across San Diego County, with shifts scheduled during standard business hours , Monday through Friday, between 8:00 AM and 5:00 PM. You can work up to 20 hours per week. This role is a practical way to gain exposure to a professional legal setting while building useful office and organizational skills.
Location: Remote
Cost/Stipend: None
Application Deadline: Rolling deadlines every two months from February 15 to December 15
Program Dates: Flexible; start dates proposed by applicants
Eligibility: Applicants must be students or entry-level professionals in relevant fields, with strong English, good communication skills, and reliable internet access.
The ICRP Virtual Internship offers students the chance to explore topics in international relations, human rights, and policy through a remote, research-focused experience. As an intern, you’ll work on independent research projects, contribute written pieces to a monthly e-journal, and assist with organizing online events and conferences.
The program includes weekly webinars and group discussions, providing a space to exchange ideas with participants from different countries. You may also have the chance to conduct interviews with professionals in the field and share your work in virtual policy forums. This internship is designed to help you build skills in research, writing, and communication while working in a collaborative, international setting.
Location: Remote
Cost/Stipend: None
Application Deadline: July 31
Program Dates: September — May (academic year)
Eligibility: U.S. citizens enrolled in full or part-time degree or certificate programs, in-person or online, in the U.S. or abroad.
The Virtual Student Federal Service (VSFS) Internship, managed by the U.S. Department of State, offers remote opportunities for students to contribute to projects with federal agencies such as NASA, USAID, the Department of Defense, and the Department of Justice. Interns typically spend around 10 hours per week on tasks that may include research, data analysis, writing, or communication, depending on the agency and project.
The internship allows you to gain insight into federal government operations and build professional connections, all while working from your own location. Each intern is matched with a mentor who provides oversight and support throughout the experience. Although the position is unpaid, it may qualify for academic credit at some institutions.
Location: Positions in Los Angeles County, CLA’s Berkeley office, and San Diego for special projects and symposium roles. Remote roles are available too
Cost/Stipend: Most internships are unpaid. Unpaid extern credit is available for some roles
Application Deadline: Specific deadlines are not posted; some programs may begin in June or July. Applicants are encouraged to apply as early as possible.
Program Dates: Run for at least three months, with specific dates tied to project needs.
Eligibility: Undergraduate students with legal work eligibility in the U.S may apply. For symposium projects in San Diego, expect part-time work (5–10 hours/week) and a minimum three-month commitment.
California Lawyers for the Arts (CLA) provides a variety of internships aimed at students interested in the intersection of arts, law, and nonprofit work. As an intern, you may support the organization’s programs through legal, policy, communications, or event planning activities, depending on your placement. Opportunities include roles in Berkeley, Sacramento, San Diego, and Los Angeles. For the San Diego internship, you will assist the Program Manager with organizing and coordinating a bi-national symposium focused on the intersection of art and law at the Tijuana-San Diego border. Assignments are structured to give you insight into real-world legal and organizational work for the arts community.
The work environment emphasizes collaboration, creative problem-solving, and supporting underrepresented artists and organizations. You can expect tasks ranging from research and outreach to project management and communications, while developing practical skills and professional connections in a relationship-driven field. Some opportunities emphasize legal knowledge; others prioritize skills in communications, marketing, or event planning.
Location: San Diego, CA (in-person only)
Cost/Stipend: Limited paid internships available, credit or grant-funded options welcome
Application Deadline: No fixed deadline; apply early for fall, spring, or summer sessions
Program Dates: Fall (Aug–Dec), Spring (Jan–May), Summer (June–Aug)
Eligibility: Law students for clerkships; undergraduates for administrative roles; 12-hour/week minimum; must work on-site.
Casa Cornelia Law Center offers internships for law students and undergraduates interested in immigration and public interest law. As a law clerk, you’ll assist attorneys with legal research, client documentation, and case preparation in asylum and humanitarian matters. Undergraduate interns typically support administrative functions, helping with outreach, resource organization, and client services, but generally do not engage in direct legal work. Interns attend an orientation, may receive professional training, and can observe court proceedings, gaining hands-on experience in nonprofit legal advocacy for vulnerable communities.
Location: San Diego County, CA (in-person at DCSS office)
Cost/Stipend: Unpaid; school credit may be available
Application Deadline: Spring (Oct 1), Summer (Feb 1), Fall (May 1); late applications may be considered
Program Dates: Spring (Jan–Apr; 12 weeks), Summer (May–Aug; 10 weeks), Fall (Aug–Nov; 12 weeks)
Eligibility: Must be a law student in good standing at an ABA-accredited law school
The San Diego County Department of Child Support Services (DCSS) offers volunteer legal internships throughout the year for law students seeking hands-on experience in child support law. As an intern, you’ll handle legal research, draft motions and memoranda, prepare cases for hearings, and observe court proceedings relating to paternity and support. Communication with parties and attorneys, as well as other legal projects, is a common assignment.
Interns certified for the State Bar’s Practical Training of Law Students program may, if eligible and selected, have the opportunity to make court appearances. The minimum weekly commitment is 16 hours during spring and fall, and 25 hours in the summer. These internships are unpaid, but school credit may be arranged. The experience is designed to help you develop litigation and writing skills while learning about child support and public law in a team-oriented environment.
Location: San Diego, CA (La Jolla/Torrey Pines; in-person)
Cost/Stipend: Paid; salary range $38,230–$56,838 annually (prorated for part-time/hourly)
Application Deadline: Rolling; positions open as needed year-round; summer positions posted in winter and typically filled by May
Program Dates: Year-round part-time; summer program typically June–August (10 weeks, full-time)
Eligibility: Must be an undergraduate student enrolled at an accredited college or university; a cumulative GPA of 3.6 or above is strongly preferred
General Atomics offers a year-round paid legal internship in its San Diego legal department designed for undergraduates interested in law and the corporate sector. As an intern, you’ll perform supervised legal and administrative tasks such as research, document management, filing, and supporting attorneys and staff with departmental needs.
The role emphasizes confidentiality, attention to detail, and strong communication skills, allowing you to develop experience in a corporate legal environment. The program is competitive, with selection based on academic qualifications and interpersonal abilities. This internship provides practical exposure to the legal aspects of a high-tech company and is especially suitable if you aim to attend law school after graduation.
12. Juris Doctor (JD) and Master of Arts in Law and Peace (MAPJ) and Justice Internships and Fellowships
Location: San Diego, CA (University of San Diego; in-person placements typically local, but individual internship organizations may vary)
Cost/Stipend: Unpaid; some practice fellowships and assistantships offer tuition support and stipends (e.g., $5,000 for Kroc Practice Fellowships, $1,200 per semester for Graduate Assistantships). Funding is available competitively to offset internship costs
Application Deadline: No fixed deadline; apply early for preferred internship, fellowship, or assistantship placements. Program application deadlines are set by the School of Law and Kroc School
Program Dates: Internships are generally completed during the academic year or summer; minimum requirement is 250 hours, typically over a 10-week period. Graduate assistantships and fellowships follow semester schedules
Eligibility: Open to JD/MA in Law and Peace and Justice (JD-MAPJ) dual degree students. Specific opportunities may require full-time enrollment and a minimum GPA; selection for funded roles is competitive
The JD/MA in Law and Peace and Justice at the University of San Diego embeds practical experience through internships, fellowships, and assistantships. You have the option to complete a hands-on, 250-hour internship aligned with your interests in law, peace, and justice, such as human rights, mediation, or advocacy.
Alternatively, there are undergraduate fellowships that provide tuition support and require project work, typically in areas like research, program management, or policy engagement. These 15-hour-per-week positions, awarded during the Kroc School admission process, include both a stipend and an additional $5,000 in tuition support
Location: San Diego, CA (in-person office shifts)
Cost/Stipend: Unpaid
Application Deadline: Accepted year-round; apply as early as possible
Program Dates: Ongoing with orientation before each session
Eligibility: At least 18 years old; college or law student, or recent graduate with a strong academic record; must demonstrate interest in immigration law and social justice; strong communication and teamwork skills required
The Pathways to Citizenship Legal Internship offers college and law students, as well as recent graduates, the chance to gain hands-on experience in immigration law and advocacy. You’ll begin by attending an orientation to learn about the organization’s mission and services. Once onboard, you will participate in supervised in-person office shifts applying your training and supporting the legal team in serving clients from diverse backgrounds. This internship provides practical exposure to immigration legal work, professional mentorship, and an opportunity to contribute to the community while developing legal and interpersonal skills
Location: Nationwide and in U.S. territories, placements are in-person at Department of Justice offices including San Diego; some remote roles may be available.
Cost/Stipend: Unpaid; may qualify for academic credit or external stipends.
Application Deadline: Deadlines vary by office and program; many locations operate on a rolling basis, so early application is recommended.
Program Dates: Academic-year and summer positions available; timing aligns with law school semesters and varies by placement.
Eligibility: Open to law students enrolled at least half-time who have completed at least one semester of law school; U.S. citizenship and background check required
The Department of Justice Law Student Volunteer program places law students in experiential, unpaid legal internships with DOJ offices across the country. You will support attorneys with legal research, drafting motions and briefs, case preparation, and, often, observation of court hearings and other proceedings. Assignments vary by division, exposing you to litigation, policy, or appellate practice within federal law. Although positions are uncompensated, you may earn academic credit or secure external funding based on your law school’s policies.
Selection places weight on academic achievement, motivation, and relevant experience. This program allows you to build substantive legal skills, gain firsthand exposure to public service law, and clarify your interests within the federal legal system
Location: Varies by opportunity, including San Diego. Some positions are also available in nearby counties or remotely, depending on the host organization's needs
Cost/Stipend: Most positions are unpaid; some may qualify for academic credit if pre-approved through Cal Poly. Paid opportunities depend on the specific organization
Application Deadline: Deadlines vary by placement; many roles remain open until filled, but competitive placements -especially in government and public interest agencies- often require early applications
Program Dates: Internships are available in fall, winter, spring, and summer terms
Eligibility: Open to Cal Poly undergraduate students, typically with an interest in law, policy, or public service. Students must coordinate with Cal Poly’s Political Science department before applying and may need faculty approval for credit
Cal Poly’s legal internship program offers undergraduates a range of placements with local law firms, public interest organizations, governmental agencies, and courts. As an intern, you may take on research, client contact, office support, document preparation, and case monitoring duties, depending on your site.
The internships allow you to observe legal professionals, build practical skills, and expand your exposure to legal and policy careers. Academic credit may be available with faculty supervision, especially if you integrate internship experience into coursework.
One other option — the Lumiere Research Scholar Program
If you’re interested in pursuing independent research, consider applying to one of the Lumiere Research Scholar Programs, selective online high school programs for students founded with researchers at Harvard and Oxford. Last year, we had over 4,000 students apply for 500 spots in the program! You can find the application form here.
Also check out the Lumiere Research Inclusion Foundation, a non-profit research program for talented, low-income students. Last year, we had 150 students on full need-based financial aid!
Stephen is one of the founders of Lumiere and a Harvard College graduate. He founded Lumiere as a PhD student at Harvard Business School. Lumiere is a selective research program where students work 1-1 with a research mentor to develop an independent research paper.
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