Superior Court of Los Angeles County Launches 2026 Summer Judicial Internship Program, Offering Real-World Insight Into the Judicial Process

With 582 judicial officers and 4,600 court employees, the Court provides interns with ample opportunities to experience the work that ensures the fair, timely and effective resolution of cases for all Los Angeles County residents. The program is designed for individuals who are not currently enrolled in law school and who may be considering a career in law, court operations or a law-related field as well as those seeking a deeper understanding of how the judicial system operates. The interns gain the opportunity to observe courtroom procedures and courthouse operations and engage with judicial officers, courtroom employees and justice partners in discussions and presentations.

B-Roll: June 9 Event: Court Leadership Welcomes Hundreds of Interns for the 2026 Judicial Internship Program.

“The Court is committed to promoting public understanding of the justice system, and the Judicial Internship Program provides participants with a unique opportunity to experience the administration of justice firsthand,” Presiding Judge Sergio C. Tapia II said. “Through courtroom observations and direct engagement with judicial officers and court professionals, we hope to inspire the next generation of legal professionals and deepen their understanding of the judiciary’s essential role in ensuring equal access to justice and upholding the rule of law.”

Details About the Eight-Week Program

The eight-week program provides those who are at least 16 years old daily opportunities to observe courtroom proceedings in a variety of case types, including in Civil, Criminal, Family Law, Probate and Traffic matters. Many of the approximately 400 interns participating this summer will be based in courthouses located in downtown Los Angeles, Monterey Park, West Covina, Van Nuys, Long Beach, Lancaster, El Monte, and Norwalk, while others will work remotely.

In addition to high-school students, those in undergraduate and post-graduate programs may participate. The program is also open to individuals who are not currently students.

Ashley Fajardo Perez participated in the Summer Judicial Internship Program in 2025 and found a nurturing environment. “In the beginning, I was one year post university and felt uncertain if I belonged in the legal field. In the end, I found my answer, and I would like to become a lawyer,” Fajardo Perez said. “The program is supportive, especially for those who engage and fully immerse themselves by asking questions. I enjoyed the opportunity to connect with people in different stages of their lives — some interns are in university, some are looking to make a career change, and others are interested in roles within court operations — this helped me navigate my own career path. Ultimately, the program is valuable because it increases accessibility into the legal field and the court system.”

Prospective Applicants 

The Court’s Judicial Internship Program has emerged as one of the region’s most competitive opportunities for aspiring legal professionals. This year, the program received thousands of applications reflecting an extraordinary level of interest from students and young professionals eager to gain firsthand experience within one of the largest trial courts in the nation.

The program’s expansion and increasing competitiveness are a direct reflection of the Court’s 2025-2028 Strategic Plan, which establishes community engagement and public understanding of the Court as strategic priorities. Through the Judicial Internship Program, the Court fulfills its commitment to fostering transparency, cultivating the next generation of legal professionals, and demonstrating the meaningful and far-reaching impact of the Court’s work on the communities it serves.

Those interested in applying for a future cohort are encouraged to visit this page beginning in February 2027 to view available opportunities.