Summer 2026 Student Legal Intern (Office of General Counsel)
Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority (VTA) is seeking two (2) Summer 2026 Student Legal Interns to join the Office of General Counsel. This internship provides hands-on experience in public agency law, offering exposure to real-world legal matters supporting transit operations, regulatory compliance, and agency business functions.
Under close supervision and in a learning capacity, Student Legal Interns assist in professional and technical activities supporting VTA operations. Interns are typically assigned research-oriented projects that may involve interaction across multiple departments and Divisions. Work performed is generally sub-professional or technical and directly related to the student’s field of study.
Internship Term: Summer 2026 (approximately four months; schedule may vary based on academic calendar).
Work Schedule: Approximately 20 hours per week (maximum 29 hours per week), Monday through Friday between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. Flexible scheduling within those hours.
Essential Functions:
Tasks may vary based on assignment and include:
• Conducting legal and policy research relevant to assigned Division
• Collecting, correlating, and evaluating data in accordance with established policies
• Participating in team analysis of operational or legal issues
• Assisting in preparation of reports and preliminary studies
• Supporting analysis and recommendations regarding agency systems, equipment, and business processes
Minimum Qualifications:
Candidates must be enrolled full-time in an accredited undergraduate or graduate program during the current school term or the term immediately preceding the internship if beginning during summer break. For this internship, applicants must be actively enrolled in a Juris Doctor (J.D.) program or equivalent legal education program at an accredited law school. Students must maintain clear academic standing and continuing enrollment in an appropriate curriculum.
Continuation of internship is contingent upon satisfactory performance and availability of funds. Internships are limited to no more than 960 hours in any fiscal year.
Compensation:
Undergraduate students: $19.00 per hour
Graduate students (including law students): $22.00 per hour
Student Intern positions are non-benefited.
Conditions of Employment:
Final candidates must successfully complete a Livescan background check, reference checks, verification of education, and a criminal history review prior to appointment.
Eligibility List:
The established Eligible List from this recruitment may be used to fill current and future vacancies. Eligible Lists typically remain in effect for six (6) months but may be abolished or extended at the discretion of Human Resources for up to two (2) years.
Americans with Disabilities Act Accommodations:
VTA is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities in the recruitment and examination process. To request accommodation, contact the Human Resources Department at (408) 321-5575 or Personnel@vta.org at least five business days prior to testing.
Equal Employment Opportunity:
VTA is an equal employment opportunity employer. VTA does not and will not tolerate discrimination against applicants or employees on the basis of age, ancestry, color, marital status, mental or physical disability, genetic information, national origin, immigration status, political affiliation, race, religion, creed, sex, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, pregnancy, medical condition, disabled veteran or veteran status, or any other protected status under applicable law.
About VTA:
VTA is an independent special district serving Santa Clara County and providing bus, light rail, and paratransit services. VTA also participates as a funding partner in regional rail services including Caltrain, Capitol Corridor, and the Altamont Corridor Express. In addition to transit operations, VTA is responsible for congestion management, transportation planning, highway design and construction, transit-oriented development, and bicycle and pedestrian planning. VTA employs more than 2,000 individuals dedicated to delivering sustainable, accessible, and community-focused transportation solutions throughout Silicon Valley.
