The Bay Area Air District (Air District) is a regional government agency committed to achieving clean air to protect public health and the environment. The Air District accomplishes this goal through regulation and permitting of facilities, enforcement of those regulations and permit requirements, and various outreach and incentive programs designed to encourage clean air choices.
The Air District is governed by a Board of Directors, and its jurisdiction encompasses all of seven counties - Alameda, Contra Costa, Marin, San Francisco, San Mateo, Santa Clara and Napa, and portions of two others - southwestern Solano and southern Sonoma. You can find more information about the Air District at www.baaqmd.gov.
At the Air District, we take pride in our commitment to fostering a workplace that values diversity and promotes cultural awareness. We prioritize employee engagement by providing a collaborative and inclusive environment that encourages active participation and open dialogue. The Air District recognizes and values the contributions of every employee and works to sustain an environment where everyone is respected. We incorporate the principles of diversity, equity and inclusion within our decision-making strategies, policies, procedures, regulations, funding initiatives, public outreach, planning, and hiring. Join us in a dynamic and inclusive culture where your contributions are celebrated, and your growth is nurtured.
The Air District is accepting applications for the position of Legal Intern in the Legal Office. This is a temporary, exempt position, not to exceed 10-12 weeks in Summer 2027. There are two (2) vacancies.
About the Division
The Legal Division provides a wide array of legal services to support the entire Air District, including prosecuting violations of air laws; advising on legal compliance with the Brown Act, California Environmental Quality Act, AB 617, and other federal, State and local laws; supporting rulemakings by developing regulatory language and advising on compliance with rulemaking requirements; supporting the permitting program; reviewing records under the Public Records Act; researching legal issues; and staying abreast of current legal developments in air quality throughout California and nationwide.
The Division utilizes a variety of tools to resolve enforcement actions, such as abatement orders, civil enforcement, and coordinating with other enforcement agencies, like the local District Attorney Offices and the Office of the California Attorney General. For cases in environmental justice communities, Air District staff can directly engage with community members when determining the appropriate legal remedies, including pursuing civil penalties to achieve deterrence and ensuring that the community benefits from the civil penalties collected and the conditions imposed on the facility to bring it into long-term compliance and prevent the potential recurrence of violations.
Definition
Under close supervision, the legal intern performs various work related to and in support of legal casework being undertaken by attorneys in the Legal Division. The intern gains valuable work experience by assisting the Air District’s attorneys on a variety of cases and projects under the supervision of an attorney while following guidelines and procedures defined by the Legal Division. Assignments could include drafting settlement offers, complaints, and other enforcement work; researching important legal issues and drafting memoranda; attending negotiations, hearings, and other legal meetings; representing the Air District in small claims or Hearing Board cases; and other legal work to support and advance the work of the Air District.
Distinguishing Characteristics
This is a temporary training position for current law students and recent law school graduates. Interns will apply their legal education to work and gain practical experience assisting experienced attorneys on a variety of cases and projects. Through this work, interns will gain valuable environmental law and regulatory experience.
(Illustrative Only)
Conducts legal research and prepares legal memoranda for review by attorneys.
Assists attorneys in the preparation of enforcement cases, often involving a specialized body of law.
Assists attorneys in reviewing air quality regulations and policies.
Monitors legal developments, including proposed legislation and court decisions, evaluates their impacts on Air District operations, and recommends appropriate action.
Attends and takes notes at Air District departmental, board and committee meetings.
Maintains, organizes, and tracks accurate records and compiles reports of work performed.
Provides support for special projects as needed.
Performs related duties as assigned.
Education and Experience
Must be enrolled in and have completed the first year at an accredited law school (summer enrollment not required), or have recently graduated from an accredited law school and be studying for the California bar exam or awaiting admission to the California bar after completion of the bar exam.
Other Requirements
Must not be a member of the State Bar of California or any other Bar at the time of hire or during the time of the internship.
How to Apply
Interested individuals must submit a completed Air District application and responses to the supplemental questionnaire by 5:00 p.m. on Tuesday, September 15, 2026. Resumes are encouraged, and will not be accepted in lieu of the required application materials. Applications are accepted online; please visit our website at www.baaqmd.gov/jobs to apply. Postmarks, faxes, and e-mailed applications will not be accepted.
Except as requested in this announcement, do not include any additional documents other than resumes or cover letters, such as letters of recommendation, performance evaluations, work samples, etc. They will not be reviewed or considered.
Supplemental Questions Instructions
Individuals who apply for this position must respond to each of the required supplemental questions. Online applications must be received by the Human Resources Office no later than the time and date specified in this vacancy announcement.
Please limit your responses to no more than one page (500 words) per question. Do not combine your responses. You may refer to your application, resume, or any other requested documentation that you have included with your application packet to answer a question, but please do not merely copy and paste. This information will be evaluated as is and may be used to determine those applicants with the most directly related experience, education, and training to continue in the selection process. It is very important to provide a concise, clear, legible, complete response to each question.
Persons with disabilities who may require reasonable accommodations during the application and/or selection process should notify the Human Resources Office at (415) 749-4980.
The Air District is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
