Job Responsibilities:
The Legal Intern, classified as a Graduate Student Assistant (GSA), will operate under the close supervision of the Assistant General Counsel managing the Office of General Counsel Internship Program. The intern will assist Office of General Counsel attorneys or staff with legal work that supports the Department of Water Resources’ mission and goals. Responsibilities include:
- Gathering, evaluating, and analyzing materials related to assignments.
- Attending internal or public meetings related to assignments.
- Receiving training from the department to gain practical experience by observing and/or assisting with legal work.
- Maintaining confidentiality, working cooperatively with others, and exercising good judgment.
- Reasoning logically to establish and maintain effective working relationships, receiving direction well, drawing sound conclusions, and making appropriate recommendations.
The job involves a structured percentage allocation of activities:
- 40% Research, analysis, and evaluation: The intern will gather facts or materials related to assignments and perform analysis and/or evaluation on those materials using necessary research tools.
- 30% Writing: The intern will draft and edit written work products and prepare recommendations, reports, or correspondence related to assignments.
- 20% Collaboration: The intern will observe and gain experience in methods and ethics of professional legal practice, engage with attorneys and staff, and attend/observe internal or public meetings or hearings.
- 10% Additional duties as assigned.
Education and Experience Information:
To qualify for the position, candidates must meet the following special requirements:
1. Enrolled in nine (9) semester/eight (8) quarter units for undergraduate students or six (6) semester/four (4) quarter units for graduate students in a college or university of recognized standing. Evidence of eligibility for such registration in the following enrollment period is required if appointed during the summer months.
2. Achieved a 2.0 grade point average in the most recently completed academic term.
3. Declared a major related to the duties of the advertised position and enrolled in coursework required for that major.
Desirable qualifications include:
- Current enrollment as a law student.
- Knowledge and experience with legal research and legal writing.
- Ability to reason logically and draw sound conclusions.
- Ability to exercise good judgment and make appropriate recommendations.
- Ability to work independently and cooperatively while establishing and maintaining effective working relationships.
- Ability to receive direction well and maintain regular, consistent, and predictable attendance.
- Ability to maintain security and confidentiality of privileged information in compliance with applicable laws.
- Ability to problem-solve, manage time effectively, meet scheduled and last-minute deadlines, and communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.
Salary Information:
The salary range for the Legal Intern position is $21.48 - $33.51 per hour. New to State candidates will be hired into the minimum salary of the classification or minimum of alternate range when applicable.
Additional Information:
The Legal Intern position is a non-testing classification, meaning that anyone meeting the minimum qualifications listed on the classification specification may apply. The position is a student assistant role and is limited to 1500 hours per 12 consecutive months. The Department of Water Resources (DWR) is committed to public safety and the successful performance in this position requires regular, consistent, and predictable attendance.
DWR strives to create a trusting and welcoming workplace where employees embrace diverse viewpoints and treat each other with civility and respect. The department's equal employment opportunity program centers around justice, diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Application Instructions:
Completed applications and all required documents must be received or postmarked by the final filing date of 9/25/2025. Applications may be submitted electronically through the CalCareer Account, by mail, or drop-off. Required documents include a current version of the State Examination/Employment Application STD Form 678, a resume, school transcripts, a cover letter, and a legal writing sample. Legal writing samples authored in any part by Artificial Intelligence (AI) must be disclosed and are not permitted.
The State of California is an equal opportunity employer and aims to achieve a drug-free workplace. The Department of Water Resources offers free virtual career consultation services, including one-on-one career consultations, application/resume review, tips for applying, and mock interviews, which can be scheduled online.
