Legal Internships for Academic Credit, PLSI 610 / PLSI 611 (4 Units Total), Fall 2026

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April 13, 2026

Legal Internships for Academic Credit

PLSI 610 / PLSI 611 (4 Units Total), Fall 2026

The Department of Political Science is pleased to offer legal internship opportunities for academic credit. Students may earn four units while gaining hands-on experience with the San Francisco Superior Court (judicial placements), the San Francisco District Attorney’s Office, or the Marin County Public Defender’s Office.

These internships are particularly valuable for students considering or preparing to apply to law school. Interns frequently receive mentorship from judges and attorneys, and in some cases, supervisors provide letters of recommendation to support students’ future academic and professional goals.

How to Apply

Students interested in participating should email Professor Mark Leinauer at markleinauer@sfsu.edu to request access to the Legal Internship Application Canvas page.

Please:

  • Include “Legal Internship” in the subject line

  • Send the email from your SFSU email address

The Canvas page contains all application materials, instructions, and deadlines. Please note that application deadlines are strict, and early preparation is strongly encouraged.

Judicial Internships (San Francisco Superior Court)

Judicial internships provide students with the opportunity to intern with an actual judge.  

  • Credit: 4 units (PLSI 610 & 611)
  • Commitment: 10 hours per week at the courthouse (schedule arranged with assigned judge)
  • Seminar: Tuesdays, 3:30–6:15 PM (on campus)
  • HARD Deadline: May 15

Students must apply through the Legal Internship Application Canvas page. Given the number of required materials, applicants are encouraged to join the Canvas page as soon as possible.

District Attorney Internships (San Francisco)

District Attorney internships allow students to observe and assist attorneys in a prosecutorial setting.

  • Credit: 4 units (PLSI 610 & 611)
  • Commitment: Minimum 10 hours per week (schedule arranged with the office; office may want more then 10 hours)
  • Seminar: Tuesdays, 3:30–6:15 PM (on campus)
  • Deadline: Typically mid-June (varies by year)

Students should consult the Canvas page for current deadlines and application details.

Public Defender Internships (Marin County)

Public Defender internships provide experience working alongside defense attorneys representing clients in criminal proceedings.

  • Credit: 4 units (PLSI 610 & 611)

  • Commitment: Minimum 10 hours per week (schedule arranged with the office, office may want more then 10 hours)

  • Seminar: Tuesdays, 3:30–6:15 PM (on campus)

  • Deadline: Typically mid-May (varies by year)

Note: These internships require travel to Marin County. Travel stipends may be available.

Additional Information

All interns must participate in a weekly seminar led by Dr. Leinauer, designed to help students reflect on their experiences and engage in pre-law professional development.

For complete application instructions and updates, please refer to the Legal Internship Application Canvas page.