Fall (2026) 3L Student Practice Act Internship

Arapahoe County•Greenwood Village, CO

4d•Onsite

About The Position

The 3L Student Practice Act (SPA) Internship Program is designed for law students who will have completed two full years of law school prior to their internship start date. This program serves as the initial step towards a career as a prosecutor within the DA’s Office, offering unparalleled hands-on courtroom experience. Interns will prosecute criminal cases under supervision, appearing in court to argue motions and sentencing matters, conduct jury trials, and negotiate plea dispositions. Responsibilities encompass all phases of trial practice, including voir dire, opening and closing statements, and direct and cross-examinations. Additionally, interns will review active criminal cases, consult with victims, and negotiate plea offers. Full-year interns typically conduct an average of 13 jury trials before being licensed. The program is a future investment, with the office aiming to extend job offers to deserving interns upon completion of the program in May, before they take the bar exam. In the past 6 years, 92% of interns who completed a year in the SPA program received job offers before graduating law school. The training is designed to equip interns with the skills to handle a full criminal caseload and try jury trials independently upon passing the bar. This includes weekly trainings, daily guidance from deputy district attorneys, and one-to-one mentorship from the County Court Chief Deputy District Attorney. SPA interns are considered an integral part of the team, provided with an office, a laptop, and inclusion in meetings, trainings, and gatherings with county court deputy district attorneys.

Requirements

Currently attending law school.
Must be qualified to practice under the student practice act prior to starting the 3L Student Practice Act Internship (See C.R.C.P. Rule 205.7).
Ability to advocate legal and factual scenarios in a clear and persuasive manner to judges and jurors.
Ability to rapidly assess cases for strengths versus weaknesses and aggravators versus mitigators to determine just and ethical dispositions within policies promulgated by the District Attorney.
Ability to recognize situations warranting potential policy/procedure exceptions and effectively advocate for alternative resolutions.
Ability to react quickly and appropriately in court to defense objections, oral motions, court inquiries and rulings, and presentations/responses from defense attorneys and witnesses.
Ability to effectively process and dispose of a high volume of criminal case filings while maintaining a balance of equal justice between victims, the People of the State of Colorado, and affected defendants.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with superiors, co-workers, defense attorneys, prose defendants, victims, witnesses, judges, court staff, law enforcement and related agencies' personnel, press/media.
Accountability
Accessibility
Inclusivity
Integrity
Must successfully pass pre-employment testing which includes an acceptable motor vehicle record (MVR) and background check.
Possession of a valid Class “R” Colorado Driver’s License or the ability to obtain one within two weeks of appointment.
Security clearance required: will require fingerprinting and a Colorado Bureau of Investigation (CBI) background check.

Nice To Haves

Experience: None

Responsibilities

Handle a docket of either or both traffic and misdemeanor cases under the supervision of licensed deputy district attorneys.
Conduct initial and on-going case review, ensuring provability and proper disclosure to the defense.
Follow up with law enforcement agencies.
Engage in negotiations with defense counsel.
Meet with witnesses and victims.
Handle motions and trials.
Brief issues arising out of county court (traffic and misdemeanor cases) in the District Court.
Try cases and establish that elements of a crime have been proven beyond a reasonable doubt.
Participate in jury selection, opening statements, direct and cross-examination of witnesses, and closing arguments.
Demonstrate appropriate demeanor and professionalism in court.
Research and respond to a wide variety of defense motions, including motions for the suppression of evidence.
Prepare motions on behalf of the People.