College Academy Internship Program InternAt — Riverside County District Attorney's Office

The College Academy Internship Program is an eight-week, unpaid summer internship offered by the Riverside County District Attorney’s Office. The program combines educational seminars, guided tours, and a structured mentorship phase to provide undergraduate students with a comprehensive introduction to the criminal justice system. Interns gain hands-on, professional experience while working alongside attorneys, investigators, victim services professionals, and other staff, developing practical skills in legal processes, communication, and public service.

Tasks:

Attendance at all required presentations, workshops, and mandatory guided tours is expected as a foundational component of the internship experience.

This internship is structured in two phases to ensure progressive learning and professional development:
- Phase 1: Educational workshops (seminar-style instruction) and guided tours designed to provide foundational knowledge, exposure, and context.
- Phase 2: Mentorship placement, allowing interns to apply what they have learned through direct observation and guided professional engagement. This structure ensures interns first learn, observe, and ask questions before transitioning into hands-on mentorship experiences.

Intern responsibilities include:
1) Observing court proceedings, including arraignments, preliminary hearings, and trials, and critically reflecting on courtroom procedures and legal processes.
2) Shadowing Deputy District Attorneys, Investigators, Victim Services staff, and other legal professionals to gain exposure to daily responsibilities, casework, and interdepartmental collaboration.
3) Reviewing case-related materials (as appropriate and permitted) to develop an understanding of case preparation, legal documentation, and prosecutorial workflow.

Training:

Students will receive structured training designed to support their learning outcomes, including:
1) Day 1 Presentations: Overview of the District Attorney’s Office led by management, workplace expectations presented by the Chief Assistant District Attorney, and an introduction to professional standards.
2) Educational Workshops (Seminar-Style): Instruction led by Deputy District Attorneys, investigators, and subject-matter experts on topics such as criminal law, courtroom procedures, ethics, and victim advocacy.
3) Guided Tours: Exposure to key components of the criminal justice system, such as courtrooms, investigative units, and partner agencies.
4) Mentorship Meetings: Meetings with assigned mentors to provide guidance, feedback, and professional development support.
5) Job Shadowing: Direct observation of legal professionals in their daily responsibilities, including case preparation and court-related activities (as permitted).
6) Skill Development Activities: Opportunities to review case materials (as appropriate), practice professional writing, and engage in scenario-based discussions.

Learning Outcome:

By the end of the academic internship, the student will be able to:
1) Understand the structure and function of the criminal justice system, including the role of the Riverside County District Attorney's office
2) Apply professional communication skills in legal and public service environments, including written, verbal, and interpersonal communication
3) Demonstrate an understanding of prosecutorial processes, including case flow and courtroom procedures
4) Reflect on career pathways in law, public service, and criminal justice through presentations, direct observation, and mentorship experiences
5) Develop career readiness skills, including professionalism, critical thinking, and collaboration