Legal Intern for the Office of Chief Trial Counsel

The State Bar of California•San Francisco, CA

1d•$26•Hybrid

About The Position

The Office of Chief Trial Counsel (OCTC) is the enforcement arm of the attorney discipline system. OCTC handles intake, investigation, and prosecution in State Bar Court of allegations that attorneys have violated the State Bar Act or the Rules of Professional Conduct. The office also receives, reviews, and investigates complaints alleging unauthorized practice of law by non-attorneys. The Law Clerk will review additional mail on cases previously closed in Intake and discuss with the assigned attorney regarding possible new action; review reciprocal discipline cases from other jurisdictions to identify California violations; and assist with review of complaints against disbarred/deceased attorneys.

Requirements

Must be enrolled in an accredited law school with an academic standing of “C” or better.
Knowledge of: Basic legal research methods and procedures.
Legal principles and their applications.
Computerized communication and processing systems.
Principles of effective legal writing and verbal presentations.
Principles of problem identification, analysis and evaluation.
Rules of evidence and conduct or proceedings in trial and appellate courts in California.
Scope and character of federal and California statutory law and provisions of federal and California constitutions.
Ability to: Analyze legal issues and apply appropriate legal principles.
Review and analyze complex written documents.
Receive and relay detailed information through verbal and written communication.
Possess visual capability and digital dexterity to operate a computer and other standard office equipment.
Communicate clearly and effectively in person and in writing.
Make fine visual distinctions upon proofreading written documents and viewing information on a computer screen.
Endure long periods of sitting.
Digital dexterity to assemble, retrieve and replace files.
Obtain and present material in oral and/or written form.
Handle public contact by telephone.
Candidate must reside in CA and be able to go into the office at least once a week.

Nice To Haves

Commitment to the State Bar’s values of clarity, excellence, respect, and a growth mindset.
Interest in learning and working in the public sector.
Ability to collaborate with various areas of the State Bar.
Available to work 10 weeks full-time from May/June through early August 2026.
Hybrid remote schedule, working one day per week the Los Angeles office.

Responsibilities

Performs research and analyses of files, case laws, statutes and other relevant material pertaining to legal issues and prepares appropriate legal memoranda and draft reports.
Screens, files, indexes and circulates legal documents and periodicals. In addition, prepares materials for the purpose of updating State Bar publications relating to the professional and ethical responsibilities of lawyers and develops other materials for the education of the bench, bar and public concerning the professional and ethical responsibilities of lawyers.
Contacts complaining witnesses and respondents' attorneys to arrange for depositions and hearings and prepares summaries of lengthy depositions and transcripts.
Responds to telephone inquiries from members of the State Bar and analyzes written inquires and prepares draft responses in accordance with policy, procedures and guidelines approves by the State Bar. In addition, may receive complaints in person or over the telephone regarding attorney misbehavior and analyzes written inquires and prepares draft responses in accordance.
Destroys confidential materials after statutory period expires.
May perform a number of other similar or related duties which may not be specifically included within this position description, but which are consistent with the general level of the job and the responsibilities described.

Benefits

Access to professional development and wellness sessions.
Working directly with leadership within the State Bar.
Virtual events with other interns.
Ability to network, gain experience, and contribute to work that protects all Californians.
Gain relevant experience through projects and assignments.

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