I got to work on very interesting legal cases and work on high profile projects. I got to do a wide range of tasks including press releases, policy briefs, attend court hearings, visit a jail, and make advertisements.
What I wish was different
I wish I had been paid and did not work full-time (because they did not have enough work for me). They hired too many interns during a slow period.
Advice
I would ask to take on more independent projects, schedule meetings to learn more about law with other people in the office, and put in a lot of effort to build meaningful networking connections, especially if you're pre-law.
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law intern
June - September 2019 • San Francisco, CA
What I liked
The atmosphere of the office and how much attention is given in cases.
What I wish was different
I wish I could’ve been more involved in the cases.
Advice
To create connections with those you work with so you can have references later on.
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intern
May - August 2018 • San Francisco, CA
What I liked
I loved that what I did everyday was new and that the work that I was doing immediately showed to be valuable and that I was an intern that was truly needed.
What I wish was different
Nothing.
Advice
I would advise that interning at the DA can be extremely emotionally exhausting and very triggering, especially because I interned for an Assistant District Attorney who worked in the Child Abuse and Sexual Assault Department. You see very heart wrenching things on a day to day basis and it can be very difficult to detach. This internship is definitely not for everyone and I would highly recommend considering whether or not this type of internship will interfere with your own personal and mental needs.
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Policy and Communications Intern
June - August 2018 • San Francisco, CA
What I liked
- good experience for starting interest in law
- got to learn more about criminal justice system and criminal justice reform
- got to learn about legislative, policymaking process
What I wish was different
- wished for more experience conducting legal research and analysis
Advice
- supervisors are generally really busy, so learn how to balance your work schedule along with theirs and to do work independently
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Victim Services Intern
June - August 2018 • San Francisco, CA
What I liked
I got a lot of hands on experience with calling victims and facilitating crisis intervention. I also learned so much more about the criminal justice system from the moment the police get called to the conviction of an offender.
What I wish was different
It would have been helpful if everyone was assigned to a person instead of a unit within Victim Services. I got lucky and was assigned to a specific advocate but not all were lucky.
Advice
You get as much as you put in. If you are interested in learning a lot speak up and go for it!
