The Santa Clara County Office of the County Counsel is now accepting applications from law students for Spring, Summer, and Fall 2010 Internships. Our Office seeks to provide exceptional legal services to the Board of Supervisors and County agencies and departments. We provide legal advice regarding our clients’ policies, as well as a broad array of advocacy and litigation services. Interns typically are selected to work in several practice areas (described below), based on their interests and the Office’s needs.

Social Justice and Impact Litigation Section attorneys conduct affirmative litigation, draft new legislation, and develop policies and programs to advance the County’s goal of securing social justice for all its residents. The Section also works to advance local, state, and national public policy reform through progressive local government action. Interns help to develop litigation and policy initiatives and do legal research in support of the Section’s cases.

General Government Section attorneys do transactional work on behalf of the Board of Supervisors and the County Executive as well as for core County agencies, such as Planning and Development, Environmental Health, Registrar of Voters, Procurement, and Parks. Interns research constitutional and other legal questions on issues ranging from climate change to public works and purchasing. Interns also help analyze and draft local and state legislation.

Litigation Section attorneys represent the County whenever suits or claims may affect the County’s interests. Civil rights proceedings, challenges to local laws, and tort suits constitute the bulk of our cases. Interns conduct legal research and assist with ongoing litigation.

Health and Hospital attorneys work on legal issues arising out of the operation of the County’s Valley Medical Center and other departments in the County healthcare system. Subject areas include medical records and confidentiality, consent to treatment, public and mental health, health care for minors, managed care, emergency medical services, and clinical research.

The Child Dependency Unit handles all court proceedings involving allegations of abuse or neglect in a child’s home, provides advice regarding children’s educational rights, and reviews the policies and procedures that guide County social workers. Interns help prepare for and attend court proceedings, conduct legal research, and assist in policy analysis.

Internships are open to first-, second-, and third-year law school students. Internships are unpaid, but we will work with interested applicants to arrange for public interest stipends, academic credit, or pro bono credit from their law schools if applicable. To apply, please send a resume, a cover letter describing your interest in working with local government and any relevant experience, the names and telephone numbers of two references, and an unofficial law school transcript to internships@cco.sccgov.org. Applications will be considered on a rolling basis until January 18, 2010 for the Spring term; February 8, 2010 for the Summer term; and March 15, 2010 for the Fall term. Late applications may be accepted; any changes to the deadlines will be posted under the “Employment Opportunities” section of this website.

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