Internship Opportunities
The DFEH is accepting applications for legal internships in its Enforcement and Legal Divisions. Non-student volunteers may also apply.
The Department of Fair Employment and Housing offers employment to law students, law school graduates and attorneys through a variety of methods. We hire students as volunteers or through internships (also called externships or clinicals) for academic credit. We also enter into WorkStudy contracts. A very limited number of paid positions may be available. We employ interns during the school year and in the summer. Consider us if you are a qualified and enthusiastic law student, law school graduate or attorney with an interest in working on civil rights investigations and litigation. The DFEH employs approximately 200 staff members, including attorneys, mediators, legal analysts, attorneys, administrative and support staff in Elk Grove (Sacramento), Bakersfield, Fresno, Los Angeles, Oakland and San Jose. Our practice areas include employment, housing and public accommodation discrimination and hate violence. The Enforcement Division takes in, investigates, conciliates, and prepares meritorious cases for potential prosecution. The Legal Division files administrative accusations and civil complaints, and prosecutes violations before the Fair Employment and Housing Commission and in civil court. Students should explore the possibility of earning academic credit through their school. Students interested in the Work-Study program should consult with their school's Financial Aid Office to determine program eligibility.
How to Apply
To apply for an internship, please submit a cover letter and resume. In the cover letter, tell us:- Your year in law school, or when you graduated law school or were admitted to the Bar;
- Whether you are interested in interning for the Enforcement Division and/or Legal Division; and
- The city or cities where you are willing to work.
Your resume package will be forwarded to our Enforcement and Legal Divisions, who will contact you directly if they want to schedule an interview with you.
Email your resume package to careers@dfeh.ca.gov.
Additional information regarding career opportunities with the State of California may be obtained from the State Personnel Board.
