About Our Program

Our paid internship and school credit based externship programs are for the purpose of students gaining a dependency law and practice education. Our interns and externs learn all aspects of representing children and young adults in varying stages of juvenile dependency proceedings. Summer law clerks who become Certified Law Students can receive first-hand experience in courtroom advocacy by making appearances at review hearings and potentially in trials. Summer interns also observe and learn how staff attorneys prepare for hearings and trials, conduct legal research and writing, and engage client contact. Interns may also have opportunities to work on projects involving cross-over delinquency matters, probate guardianships, mental health advocacy, and education advocacy. EBCLO provides comprehensive training to interns and externs on dependency law and practice at the beginning of every summer, fall, and spring. Interns will also have opportunities throughout the summer to participate in additional training by our office on discreet issues, as well as through partnering organizations in Alameda County. Note: our interns are not guaranteed a job at the end of their internship.

Ideal candidates will have an interest in juvenile law, a passion for social and racial justice, and a curiosity about the child welfare system from the minor’s counsel perspective. As lawyers for children who have been taken away from their parents (or at risk thereof), we play a pivotal role as their parents’ constitutional right to have custody of their children is at risk. We are committed to building a diverse workplace that reflects the cultures of our clients.

Our summer internship program is open to rising 2L and 3Ls. EBCLO also considers applications from second and third year law students for part-time internship and externship opportunities during the school year. If you are interested in either program, please email your resume and cover letter to CJ Connolly.