Legal Intern
*Disclaimer: Review the full job posting on VTA's Career & Job Opportunities page, or by clicking here.
About the Internship:
Looking to kickstart your legal career with hands-on experience? VTA is seeking two (2) summer interns to join our dynamic Legal team in the Office of General Counsel Division. Come work alongside industry experts on real-world cases, gain invaluable insights into government legal operations, and build a foundation for your future in law!
Under close supervision and in a learning capacity, Student Interns assist in the performance of various professional and technical activities of the Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority (VTA). Student Interns are college-level students enrolled in curricula pertinent to VTA's needs and are employed for a limited term. Student Interns are typically assigned one or more projects that are research-oriented and involve interaction with several departmental units and/or several VTA Divisions. The activities performed are typically sub-professional or technical duties and are related to the student's field of study.
Length of Internship:
Summer 2025 - four months - may vary depending on school schedule.
Work Schedule:
Applicants must be able to commit to approximately 20 hours per week (maximum 29 hours per week) between the hours of Monday - Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Schedule is flexible.
About VTA
The Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority employs more than 2,000 people dedicated to providing solutions that move Silicon Valley. Unique among transportation organizations in the San Francisco Bay Area, VTA is Santa Clara County’s authority for transit development and operations (light rail and bus), congestion management, transportation-related funding, highway design and construction, real estate and transit-oriented development, and bicycle and pedestrian planning. With local, state, and federal partners, VTA works to innovate the way Silicon Valley moves and provide mobility solutions for all.
Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority (VTA) is an independent special district that provides sustainable, accessible, community-focused, innovative, and environmentally responsible transportation options promoting the region's vitality. VTA provides bus, light rail, and paratransit services and participates as a funding partner in regional rail services, including Caltrain, Capital Corridor, and the Altamont Corridor Express.
To learn more, go to: vta.org
The Ideal Candidate:
- Actively enrolled in a Juris Doctor (J.D.) or equivalent legal education program at an accredited law school.
- Ability to collect, organize, and interpret data accurately while working within established policies and procedures.
- Capable of assisting in report preparation and effectively conveying findings.
- Interested in analyzing systems, equipment, and business processes for efficiency.
- Proactive, adaptable, and eager to gain hands-on experience in a dynamic environment.
Essential Job Functions:
Specific tasks will vary depending on the student's field of study and the area of assignment.
- Collect, correlate, and tabulate data; learn to interpret and evaluate information in accordance with established policies and procedures;
- Research issues relevant to the assigned Division; participate in team analysis of problems;
- Participate in the preparation of reports and preliminary studies;
- Assist in analyzing information and preparing recommendations on systems, equipment, and business processes of VTA.
Minimum Qualifications:
Candidates must be enrolled in college as an undergraduate or graduate student either in the current school term or the school term prior to their internship with VTA, if the internship is to begin during the summer break. The school enrollment must be/have been considered by the school to be full-time.
Supplemental Information
All Student Interns must have clear academic standing and continuing enrollment in an appropriate curriculum. Continuation of an internship is at all times contingent upon acceptable performance of the intern and the availability of funds. Internships may start at any time of the year, but are limited to no more than 960 hours in any fiscal year. Student Interns are bound by applicable VTA policies and procedures, particularly those concerning nepotism.
- Student Intern positions are non-benefitted
- Undergraduates are currently paid $19.00/hourly
- Graduate students are currently paid $22.00/hourly
Supplemental Questions
- Are you a current law school student?
- Please describe your interest in and familiarity with public transportation systems and how this internship relates to your future goals.
- Please describe your research and analytical skills and experience in research, analysis, and presentation using a specific project example from school or work.
a. Are you familiar with Lexis and Westlaw? Yes/No
b. Are you familiar with Prolaw? Yes/No - What is your availability (e.g. start date and hours per week)?
Application Deadline 4/18/2025