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Arapahoe County · 14 hours ago

2026 3L Student Practice Act Internship

Centennial, CO

Internship

Onsite

Intern

Start in 2026 Summer

Arapahoe County government serves its communities and is seeking law students for their 3L Student Practice Act Internship Program. The internship provides hands-on courtroom experience in prosecuting criminal cases under supervision, with opportunities for interns to argue motions, conduct jury trials, and negotiate plea dispositions.

Government

No H1B

U.S. Citizen Only

Responsibilities

Under the supervision of licensed deputy district attorneys, interns handle a docket of either or both traffic and misdemeanor cases. This includes initial and on-going case review (including to ensure provability and to ensure information is properly made available to the defense), follow-up with law enforcement agencies, negotiations with defense counsel, meeting with witnesses and victims, motions and trial. Issues arising out of county court (traffic and misdemeanor cases) are briefed in the District Court

Deputies spend a considerable amount of time in court and professional judgment is critical. This includes but is not limited to trying cases and establishing that elements of a crime have been proven beyond a reasonable doubt. Trials consist of jury selection, opening statements, direct and cross examination of witnesses, and closing arguments. Interns are expected to demonstrate appropriate demeanor and professionalism in court

Interns research and respond to a wide variety of defense motions, including motions for the suppression of evidence. This also involves preparing motions on behalf of the People

Qualification

Legal advocacyCase assessmentCourtroom demeanorResearch skillsNegotiation skillsProfessional judgmentAccountabilityEffective communicationRelationship buildingIntegrity

Required

Candidates are required to currently be attending law school and must be qualified to practice under the student practice act prior to starting the 3L Student Practice Act Internship. See C.R.C.P. Rule 205.7

Ability to advocate legal and factual scenarios in a clear and persuasive manner to judges and jurors

Ability to rapidly assess cases for strengths versus weaknesses and aggravators versus mitigators to determine just and ethical dispositions that are within policies promulgated by the District Attorney

Ability to recognize situations warranting potential policy/procedure exceptions, and the ability to effectively advocate for alternative resolutions

Ability to react quickly and appropriately in court to defense objections, oral motions, court inquiries and rulings, and presentations/responses from defense attorneys and witnesses

This position involves the ability to effectively process and dispose of a high volume of criminal case filings while maintaining a balance of equal justice between victims, the People of the State of Colorado, and affected defendants

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with superiors, co-workers, defense attorneys, prose defendants, victims, witnesses, judges, court staff, law enforcement and related agencies' personnel, press/media

Accountability

Accessibility

Inclusivity

Integrity

Must successfully pass pre-employment testing which includes an acceptable motor vehicle record (MVR) and background check

Possession of a valid Class 'R' Colorado Driver's License or the ability to obtain one within two weeks of appointment

Security clearance required: will require fingerprinting and a Colorado Bureau of Investigation (CBI) background check