Legal Intern Positions

Legal Intern positions are available in the Spring, Summer, and Fall for law students who are currently enrolled in an ABA - accredited law school in good academic standing. We invite you to apply to intern with DCSS to gain hands-on legal experience alongside dedicated career-minded attorneys working in a collaborative team environment.

Why Intern with DCSS?

As an intern, you’ll have an opportunity to:

  • Conduct legal research and draft documents such as motion responses, points and authorities, legal memoranda, petitions, stipulations, ex-parte applications, and more...
  • Communicate with parties and attorneys in child support actions to address issues before the court.
  • Help prepare cases for upcoming court hearings.
  • Observe court hearings on parentage and child support matters.
  • Assist with other legal and departmental projects, as needed.

Interns who are certified through the State Bar of California’s Practical Training of Legal Students (PTLS) program and meet DCSS requirements may have an opportunity to appear and litigate select cases in court under the supervision of a DCSS Attorney. While not guaranteed or required, our program is designed to make this experience possible for those who qualify.

 

What We're Looking For

We're looking for motivated and driven team-players to work in a fast-paced and rewarding environment where you will learn various aspects of child support law and litigation practice while helping children and families obtain much-needed support. Strong research, writing, and communication skills are highly desirable.

Internships are unpaid, but academic credit and Federal Work-Study may be available. Contact your law school for details and eligibility.

Internship Details

Spring and Fall: 20 hours per week

Summer: 30 hours per week

 

Important Internship and Application Dates

Spring

January - April (12 Weeks)

*Applications due by October 1

 

Summer

May - August (10 Weeks)

*Applications due by February 1

 

Fall

August - November (12 Weeks)

*Applications due by May 1

 

Applications may be accepted after the listed due dates. Please reach out for more information.

Select past DCSS Legal Interns have received the
County of San Diego Volunteer of the year award including:

2026 Recipient

Past Recipients

2025 - Kathryn “Katie” Cox

2024 - Morgan Tovar Bell

2023 - Bianca Wilson

2022 - Juliana Alksne
    & Lauren Trinrud

2020 - Hanna Hickman

2018 - Kaylee Riddle

2017 - Minh Cao

2016 - Olivia Garcia

2015 - Cameron Webster

2014 - Kimberly Chao

Application Requirements

Email your completed Intern Application form, cover letter, resume, and law school transcript to rebecca.rider@sdcounty.ca.gov, or for more information contact: 

Rebecca Rider, Attorney 

Department of Child Support Services

rebecca.rider@sdcounty.ca.gov

(858) 650-6448