Navigating SEC Law Internship Requirements: A Comprehensive Guide

The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and related organizations offer various internship programs designed to provide students and recent graduates with invaluable experience in the legal and regulatory fields. These programs, offered year-round, aim to acquaint participants with the intricacies of securities market regulation and the diverse activities of the Commission. This article provides a comprehensive overview of SEC internship opportunities, eligibility requirements, and related programs, serving as a guide for aspiring legal professionals.

SEC Internship Programs: An Overview

The SEC Pathways Internship Program is a cornerstone for students seeking to gain practical experience. This program is open to individuals accepted for enrollment or currently enrolled in academic institutions. Participants collaborate with seasoned professionals, receiving on-the-job training and professional development through career training, shadowing experiences, and webinars.

Internship opportunities are available throughout the year and are posted on USAJOBS as they become available. The SEC offers two primary types of internships:

Career Intern: A Student Trainee in a developmental internship expected to last more than one year.
Temporary Intern: A Student Trainee in an internship expected to last one year or less, hired to assist with short-term projects or fill traditional summer positions.

These internships are available in Washington, DC, and in 10 other cities, including Atlanta, Chicago, Los Angeles, and New York, providing opportunities across the United States. Participants are entrusted with responsibilities and practical experiences that complement their academic work and enhance their career prospects. During their tenure, interns collaborate with Commission staff on projects specific to their assigned Division or Office.

Specialized SEC Programs

The Chair’s Attorney Honors Program

This is a selective two-year developmental program tailored for current 3L students and entry-level Attorneys serving on a judicial clerkship. Upon graduation, 3L students commence their employment with the SEC as Law Clerks. Participants may transition to an entry-level Attorney position upon admission to a state bar association. This program enables hiring managers to leverage students' skills within the Federal Government, fostering a pipeline of entry-level talent.

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The SEC Scholars Program

This program is a ten-week internship designed for students pursuing undergraduate, graduate, or law degrees. The SEC Scholars Program can be full-time or part-time during the Fall. Work schedule will be determined and agreed upon based on the selectees academic course load schedule and division/office needs. You will have the opportunity to discuss schedule, hours, etc.

Eligibility and Application Process

To be eligible for SEC internship programs, applicants must be United States citizens. Internship opportunities are advertised year-round on USAJOBS, where interested candidates can find detailed information about specific requirements and application procedures.

Regional Office Opportunities

The SEC’s 11 regional offices, mainly comprised of the Division of Enforcement and Division of Examinations, offer JD/LL.M. students opportunities to work during the Fall. These regional locations are seeking JD/LL.M. students to work with us during the Fall 2022 program.

Interning with the ACLU of Southern California: An Alternative Perspective

While the SEC offers valuable government-focused internships, other organizations like the American Civil Liberties Union of Southern California (ACLU SoCal) provide opportunities to explore civil liberties and legal advocacy. ACLU SoCal accepts applications for interns, externs, and volunteers in their Los Angeles, Orange County (Santa Ana), Inland Empire (San Bernardino), and Kern County (Bakersfield) offices.

Who Should Apply?

ACLU SoCal welcomes applications from students at all academic levels, including undergraduates, law students, social work students, and other graduate students. They also accept applications for volunteers who are not currently enrolled in an academic program.

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ACLU SoCal encourages applications from diverse individuals, including people of color, women, people with disabilities, people over 55, and people who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, or intersex. They are committed to fostering a culture of diversity, equity, respect, and inclusion, striving to maintain a workforce that reflects the communities they serve.

Areas of Focus

ACLU SoCal tackles a wide array of issues, including:

Criminal Justice
First Amendment Rights
Gender Equity
Reproductive Justice
LGBTQ Rights
Immigrants' Rights
Police Practices
Education Equity
Jails Conditions
Economic Justice

Interns at ACLU SoCal are assigned to specific projects/subject areas.

Internship Structure and Expectations

Students should commit to no fewer than eight weeks, with a preference for ten-week commitments or longer (although exceptions may be made in certain circumstances). The office is open five days a week, and successful applicants will work eight-hour days.

Compensation and Funding

ACLU SoCal is currently unable to pay stipends for interns or volunteers. Applicants are encouraged to apply for Public Interest Law Foundation grants or other grants and to investigate work-study options as alternative sources of compensation.

Read also: Internship Opportunities

Learning Opportunities

ACLU SoCal endeavors to make their internships as rewarding as possible. Each year, they host “Brown Bag” presentations open to interns from all local non-profits. Staff attorneys and advocates also host internal trainings for all interns on topics such as applying for clerkships, applying for fellowships, and interviewing clients to draft declarations.

Application Process

Applicants should include their preferred subject area(s), geographic preference(s), and the term for which they are applying in the subject line of their application. ACLU SoCal is more likely to hire candidates with geographic flexibility.

Volunteers should be able to commit to working at least 15 hours a week over eight weeks, in or out of the office, or the hourly equivalent over a shorter period of weeks.

Specific Project Examples at ACLU SoCal

Jails Project: The affiliate's Jails Project achieved a historic settlement in Rosas v. Baca, addressing violence by deputies against incarcerated people in Los Angeles County jails. Interns may assist in monitoring Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department (LASD) compliance with court orders in cases such as Rutherford v. Luna, Rosas v. Luna, Johnson v. Luna, and Robertson v. Luna.
Economic Justice: ACLU SoCal's economic justice work focuses on challenging the criminalization of poverty, expanding access to basic human needs like housing and healthcare, and advancing affirmative legal rights to basic human needs.
Education Equity: ACLU SoCal is involved in community advocacy and legislative efforts to shape education policy. For example, in Mark S. v. State of California, they filed a lawsuit against the State of California and Pittsburg Unified School District for maintaining a separate, unequal, and illegal educational system.
First Amendment Rights: ACLU SoCal handles issues relating to freedom of speech and protest, and free exercise of religion. They also work on government transparency through developing "Know Your Rights" material.
Immigrants' Rights Project: ACLU SoCal's Immigrants' Rights Project focuses on access to counsel, immigration detention, and challenging the entanglement of immigration and local law enforcement. Cases include J.E.F.M. v. Holder, Franco-Gonzalez v. Holder, Jennings v. Supreme Court, and Hernandez v. Lynch.
Gender, Sexuality, and Reproductive Justice Project: This project focuses on LGBTQ rights, reproductive justice, and gender equity through legal advocacy, litigation, policy advocacy, public education, and community organizing.
Policing Practices: ACLU SoCal has worked on legislation making California's law governing police use of deadly force among the strongest in the nation. Cases include Vasquez v. Rackauckas, Youth Justice Coalition v., Mitchell v., and Nee v. Los Angeles Sheriff's Department.

Apple Internship Opportunities

Apple is an equal opportunity employer committed to inclusion and diversity. They seek to promote equal opportunity for all applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, Veteran status, or other legally protected characteristics. Apple will consider for employment all qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with applicable law.

Key Considerations for Aspiring Interns

Define Your Interests: Determine which area of law or regulation interests you most. Whether it's securities, civil liberties, or corporate law, aligning your internship with your interests will enhance your experience.
Research Organizations: Investigate various organizations, including the SEC, ACLU SoCal, and private firms, to understand their missions, values, and the types of projects interns are involved in.
Tailor Your Application: Customize your resume and cover letter to highlight relevant skills and experiences. Emphasize your academic achievements, research abilities, and any prior legal or regulatory experience.
Network: Attend law school events, career fairs, and networking opportunities to connect with professionals in your field of interest. Networking can provide valuable insights and potential internship leads.
Seek Funding: Explore funding options such as Public Interest Law Foundation grants, work-study programs, and scholarships to help cover expenses during unpaid internships.
Commitment: Be prepared to commit a significant amount of time and effort to your internship. Internships require dedication, hard work, and a willingness to learn.
Flexibility: Be flexible with your geographic preferences and project assignments. Flexibility can increase your chances of securing an internship and broaden your experience.
Professionalism: Maintain a high level of professionalism throughout your internship. This includes punctuality, communication skills, and a positive attitude.

Understanding the Scope of Work

For JD/LL.M. students working with the SEC, assignments cover a broad range of the Commissions’ work. The specific work depends upon the division or office where the student works.

Opportunities at Regional Offices

The SEC’s 11 regional offices are comprised of mainly the Division of Enforcement and Division of Examinations. All regional locations are seeking JD/LL.M. students to work with them during the Fall program.

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