Internships & Volunteers

Have you ever run into the catch-22 of your first job or when you're re-entering the job market - you need previous work experience? [Excuse me, but it's a first job!]

We can help you with that. The San Joaquin County Bar Association (SJCBA) accepts interns for unpaid positions and volunteers for its offices in downtown Stockton. Whether you're preparing for your first job, thinking about changing fields, or trying to alleviate boredom, we may be able to use you and give you valuable experience in return.

What we are:

SJCBA is a California Non-profit corporation that operates as a membership association for legal professionals in San Joaquin County, and operates two quasi-business organizations: the Lawyer Referral Service and the Court Assigned Counsel program. We have a paid staff, but the core of the organization are volunteer members who serve on the Board of Governors, like a Board of Directors in private companies, and numerous Committees assigned to one or more functions of the Bar Association.

Organizations that have participated in for-credit internships with us:

• Public and private high schools
• Public and private colleges and technical schools

Where our volunteers have come from:

• Former interns
• Members of the general public who want to volunteer or get experience for their resume for future job opportunities

What hours do our interns & volunteers work:

Our offices are open Monday through Friday 8:30 to 4:30 except for court holidays. Our interns may only work a couple of hours one day a week; or may work the full work week for a month, a quarter or a semester and everything in between.

What you will do:

Most interns or volunteers rotate through our offices working on several functions:

• General clerical duties such as filing, stuffing envelopes and photocopying
• Telephone in-take of referrals from the public to be referred to private attorneys
• Data entry in handling attorney and investigator billing for Court Assigned Counsel
• Working on Committee projects; taking minutes in Committee meetings
• Organizing membership files

What you may be able to do:

• Post updates on our redesigned website
• Work on MCLE courses
• Work on Committee or Section projects

What you need to be able to do:

• Have an interest in the legal profession or the judicial system
• Basic office skills, including alphabetizing, filing, use of Microsoft Office^TM software
• Basic business telephone skills and courtesy
• Basic skills in dealing with the public, attorneys, court personnel & judges
• Be willing to sign a confidentiality agreement

Client confidentiality

While we are not a law firm, we deal with legal cases, lawyer assignments and intake of potential legal matters, all requiring confidentiality. You cannot discuss privileged information outside the workplace.

We Are Not:

We are not a law firm and you will not be getting experience in legal research, preparing briefs or working with attorneys on actual cases.

How to apply:
Prepare:

• A cover letter explaining your interest;
• A resume outlining your skills and prior experience as well as your contact information; and
• If applicable, any forms for your school or other organization required for an internship.

And send to: