Law Clerk - Intern (Part Time)

Welcome to the SAN Internship Program at San Diego International Airport where our core purpose is to create an exceptional experience for both our community and visitors from around the world. But we’re more than just a place where flights take off and land—we’re a reflection of San Diego’s vibrant spirit: sunny, welcoming, and full of life.

The impact of SAN extends far beyond the terminals; it helps shape the identity and prosperity of San Diego itself. Through our SAN Internship Program, we’re committed to Building Careers, Shaping Futures. As an intern, you’ll be a vital part of our purpose, contributing to projects that drive innovation, enhance the passenger experience, and support the growth of our city. You’ll also play a key role in advancing our strategic goals:

• Advance Airport Development
• Transform the Customer Experience
• Optimize Ongoing Business
• Cultivate Our Culture

At SAN, our workplace is anchored in our collective mindsets: collaboration, empathy, thoughtful decision-making, active listening, and always believing the best in people. Fresh perspectives aren’t just welcomed here—they’re celebrated. From day one, you’ll be empowered to contribute to meaningful projects that make a real impact.

We believe in creating opportunities that foster growth, learning, and connection. As an intern, you’ll gain hands-on experience, work alongside industry professionals, and build lasting relationships that will help shape your future career. If you’re ready to be part of a team that connects our community to the world while embracing the future of aviation, apply today!

Why You'll Love Working at SAN:

• Location: The new Airport Authority Administration building, located on the San Diego International Airport campus and near the waterfront, providing stunning views of our runway, San Diego Bay, the Pacific Ocean, and the city skyline.
• Salary and Schedule: The Intern III salary is a competitive hourly rate of $23.50/hr.
• Internship Perks: We provide a range of opportunities and perks that enhance the internship experience. Gain hands-on experience in a dynamic work environment with real-world applications. Access mentorship and networking opportunities to connect with industry professionals and get exposure to innovative projects that contribute to the growth of San Diego International Airport. Work within a collaborative, inclusive team culture that values contributions, with ample opportunities to build skills and knowledge through impactful projects.
• Your Future Starts Here: At SAN, we believe an internship is more than just a job—it’s a first class flight toward your future career. Many of our past interns have leveraged their experience to secure full-time roles at SAN or with our aviation, transportation, and public sector partners. Exceptional interns may even be considered for future employment opportunities with the Airport Authority, making this internship a valuable investment in your career journey.
• Additional Perks Include: Discounts at airport concessions, allowing you to enjoy food and shopping options at a reduced price and complimentary access to the airport campus gyms to help you stay active and maintain wellness during your internship.
• Application Deadline: September 15, 2025.

Internship Snapshot:

The General Counsel’s Office is looking for a Law Clerk with a detail-oriented approach to legal research and case support to assist in providing legal services to the organization. This role offers up to 19 hours weekly during the school year, with optional hours during school breaks, and total yearly hours not to exceed 1,250. The duration of the opportunity is a minimum of three months and may be extended up to one year.

This position performs para-professional legal work in support of the department’s needs, requiring the ability to work semi-independently, exercise initiative, and apply legal education and skills in a systematic, solutions-focused manner.

The ideal candidate will be reliable, organized, and proactive, with the ability to adapt to changing priorities and handle confidential matters with discretion. This is a hands-on opportunity to gain practical legal experience in a dynamic public agency setting while contributing to meaningful work that impacts the community.

What You’ll Do:

• Legal Research & Drafting: Research legal issues and draft pleadings, memoranda of law, policies, and codes.
• Case Preparation: Prepare discovery responses and documents; compile case-related materials.
• Records & Compliance Support: Assist with responses to public records requests and maintain case files.
• Operational Support: Contribute to the functioning of the airport law office; develop relationships with Airport Authority staff; and work on individual or team-based projects.
• Practical Learning: Gain hands-on experience in the legal representation of a government entity and a public commercial airport.

The Skills We Are Looking For:

• Record Management & Reporting – Identifies, documents, maintains records, prepares reports, and interprets business correspondence, reports, and policies.
• Communication – Exchanges information verbally, digitally, and in writing; facilitates discussions, persuades, and presents ideas clearly and effectively.
• Critical Review – Translates document requirements, data, and information into solutions or alternative practices that support business objectives.
• Problem Solving & Adaptability – Analyzes situations, develops alternative solutions, and adjusts behavior or methods in evolving or unexpected circumstances.
• Relationship Building – Builds and maintains stakeholder relationships; identifies and relates relevant information, ideas, and concerns.
• Technology Use – Effectively uses electronic information and associated systems.

Ready to Fly? Educational Qualifications for Airport Interns*:

1. Students must be in a graduate program leading to a Juris Doctor (JD), and currently enrolled in an accredited law school, with students in their second or third year preferred.

*Applications without a copy of transcript(s) attached will not be considered.

Pre-Flight Checklist: SAN Internship Onboarding:

Joining our internship program at the Airport Authority is an exciting opportunity, and we want to ensure a smooth onboarding process for the selected interns. Before the selected interns receive their boarding passes, please take note of the following pre-conditions that must be fulfilled and approved prior to taking flight in our Internship program:

• Post-Offer Pre-Employment Medical Examination and Substance Test:

Successful completion of a post-offer pre-employment medical examination and an alcohol/chemical substance test is mandatory.

• FBI Background Investigation:

A thorough background investigation, including an FBI fingerprint based criminal history records check, of your references and employment/education history from the last 10 years will be conducted. This includes a visit to our Access Control Office inside Terminal 2 in the San Diego International Airport, be camera ready!

• Proof of Citizenship or Legal Authorization:

Submission of documentation proving citizenship or legal authorization to work in the United States is essential, complying with the Immigration Reform Act of 1986.

• Completion of Onboarding Forms:

Timely completion of all required onboarding forms.

EEO Statement

It is the policy of the San Diego County Regional Airport Authority to provide equal employment opportunity (EEO) to all persons regardless of age, color, national origin, citizenship status, physical or mental disability, race, religion, creed, gender, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, genetic information, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law. In addition, SDCRAA will provide reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities.

Physical & Mental Demands

Persons with disabilities may be able to perform the essential duties of this class with reasonable accommodation. Reasonable accommodation will be evaluated on an individual basis and depends, in part, on the specific requirements for the job, the limitations related to disability and the ability of the hiring department to accommodate the limitation. If you need any form of accommodation during the recruitment process, please inform the Talent Acquisition Partner (Recruiter).

Under California Government Code Sections 3100 - 3109, public employees are designated disaster service workers. The term "public employees" includes all persons employed by the state or any county, city, state agency, or public district. Disaster service workers are required to participate in such disaster service activities as they may be assigned to them by their employer or law.