2027 Spring Intern

Childrens Law Center of California•Monterey Park, CA

19h

About The Position

Children’s Law Center of California is accepting applications for its Spring 2027 internship program. Interns gain hands-on experience working with attorneys, social work investigators, and other staff. The program is open to applicants seeking academic credit and to those seeking experience in the organization’s work and the child welfare field. Candidates with varied education and work experience levels will be considered. Current law students and practicing attorneys are not eligible for the spring program. Intern assignments may involve legal work, social work, special projects, or administrative support. Legal interns work under an attorney’s direct supervision. Social work interns work with CLC social work investigators and communicate with clients and families under CLC employee supervision. The position is temporary and unpaid, and is designed to align with local university and college academic calendars. CLC will coordinate with successful candidates and their schools regarding academic credit, including tracking and verifying hours. Interns must be available for at least eight hours per week in blocks of four hours. The stated availability windows are 8 a.m.–12 p.m. and/or 1 p.m.–4 p.m. Some remote work may be possible, but interns must be able to come into the office as needed. The role may require offsite travel; social work interns must have dependable transportation. Interns must also complete a virtual orientation during their first week of onboarding.

Requirements

Enthusiasm and a desire to learn about court-involved youth and their families.
Effective and respectful communication skills with children, teens, families, and caregivers.
Ability to maintain professional and effective relationships with court personnel and coworkers.
Availability of at least eight hours per week, in blocks of four hours, during the stated 8 a.m.–12 p.m. and/or 1 p.m.–4 p.m. windows.
Ability to come into the office as needed.
Dependable transportation if applying for a social work internship.
Submit a cover letter with the application.
Current law students and practicing attorneys are not eligible for the spring intern program.

Nice To Haves

Applicants seeking academic credit may coordinate arrangements with their local university or college.

Responsibilities

Conduct phone calls to clients and schedule client appointments.
Observe court proceedings and take notes.
Accompany attorneys to client interviews and take notes.
Manage and organize electronic case files, complete standard judicial forms, and perform other administrative tasks as needed.
Attend home visits with CLC social work investigators and collaborate on report writing.
Communicate with clients and families about case-related matters under the supervision of a CLC employee.
Build trusting and professional relationships with clients, caretakers, and others.
Interview caretakers and children, to the extent possible, to observe and document children’s living situations, developmental progress, and emotional well-being.
Assist attorneys with client interviews.
Work on special projects related to CLC policy work.
Sort clothes and toys for the foster youth donation center.
Provide administrative support, including filing and copying, and assist other CLC departments as needed.