STUDENT INTERNSHIP PROGRAM

Thank you for your interest in the Madera County District Attorney's Office. The District Attorney's Office is seeking motivated individuals who are interested in gaining hands on experience in the criminal justice system and working to help the District Attorney represent the People of Madera County.

Year Round Undergraduate Intern Program

This program is available to students who are currently working toward an undergraduate degree and are interested in attending law school or a career in law enforcement.

Undergraduate Students will assist the Deputy District Attorneys in a variety of ways. Interns will get the opportunity to accompany prosecutors to court and to help prepare cases for various types of hearings and trials.

Summer Legal Intern Program

The Summer Legal Intern program provides invaluable experience to law students interested in the field of criminal law. Summer Legal Interns work closely with Deputy District Attorneys in all phases of prosecution. Interns draft motions, conduct legal research, appear in court (if certified) on the record with a supervising attorney and aid in trial and hearing preparations.

High School Student Intern Program

Madera County District Attorney’s Office High School Student Intern Program, gives high school students early exposure to the criminal justice system and the legal professions of the Madera County District Attorney’s Office. It’s designed to educate, inspire, and develop interest in law, public service, and criminal justice careers.

Interns will work in the Madera County District Attorney’s Office alongside prosecutors, legal assistants, and crime analysts. They will observe real cases inside the Madera County Courthouse, assist with clerical tasks, and gain insights into how criminal cases are handled from investigation to prosecution.

Students interested in the internship must submit a one to two page typed letter of interest listing their reasons for wanting to become an intern and why they would be a good intern if chosen. Students will include current GPA and must be in good academic standing with their school. Students will need one letter of recommendation from a teacher or school staff member.

The internship will be a week long internship Monday through Friday, 8:00 am to 4:00 pm. The dress code is business casual. The internship will be scheduled during vacation breaks from school (Christmas Break & Summer Break).

If chosen, the student(s) and parent will fill out and sign a release form from the District Attorney’s Office. This is in addition to the following:

Cover Letter
Letter of Interest (1-2 pages)
Letter of Recommendation

Hours

Undergraduate Interns are required to meet a minimum of 10 hours per week. Additional hours are strongly suggested.

Law Student Interns are required to meet a minimum of 20 hours per week. Additional hours are strongly suggested.

High School Student Interns: see requirement above.

Please coordinate with your respective law school about any potential funding available through your institution for these volunteer positions.

All levels of interns may complete hours for class credit providing the school requirements for credit do not interfere with the normal conduct of the internship program.

Normal business hours are Monday through Friday 8:00 am to 5:00 pm. Interns may request their schedule and then it must be approved by a supervising DA. The schedule set by the intern must be consistent week to week. If an intern is working less than a full day, then the intern must work at least 4 hours during that day.

All Undergraduate and Law Students are required to commit to the program for a minimum of six weeks.

Application Process

Application Deadlines:

Undergraduate Intern

Continuous

Law Student Intern:

Continuous

High School Student Intern:

Continuous

All Undergraduate and Law Student Intern Candidates must submit the following documents:

Cover Letter
Resume
Grade Transcripts (unofficial transcripts are acceptable)
Law Student Candidates must also submit a Writing Sample (5-10 pages in length)

Submit the required documents in a single .PDF file to DAIntern@MaderaCounty.com.

Upon receipt and evaluation of the application materials, an interview may be scheduled.