Attorney in San Francisco, CA

Public Interest

San Francisco, CA

Attorney in San Francisco, CA

Non-practicing Attorney

No

FINRA Legal Extern, Enforcement (Unpaid) - Fall 2025 Semester

Organization: FINRA

Job Type: Part-time, unpaid

Location: Various locations throughout the US

Salary: Not applicable (unpaid)

Experience: Graduate student pursuing JD or LLM

Term of Position: Fall 2025 (August-December)

Hiring Criteria:

- Graduate student pursuing JD or LLM
- Securities law related course work and/or knowledge of securities law or brokerage regulations are preferred
- Securities industry experience is a plus
- Strong writing, analysis, and research skills
- Strong work ethic, positive attitude, and professional demeanor
- Ability to work with others to meet deadlines
- Ability to perform multiple tasks efficiently and accurately
- Must work a minimum of 12 hours weekly during the fall and spring semesters
- Must earn current course credits and cannot work purely as a volunteer (at least one credit required by FINRA)

Application Process:

Applicants must submit:

- Current resume
- Current transcript
- Legal writing sample
- Cover letter explaining interest in the externship, preferred posting location, and qualifications
- All required documents must be uploaded prior to submitting the application

Successful applicants must pass a drug screening test and background check before starting the externship.

Legal externs are not eligible for permanent attorney positions after graduation. The FINRA Enforcement Department typically only hires experienced attorneys for permanent positions.

To be considered for this position, please submit an application. Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis.

Responsibilities:

- Work closely with Enforcement attorneys, investigators, and management
- Assist in investigating potential violations of federal securities laws and FINRA/MSRB rules
- Conduct legal research and writing
- Review documents
- Prepare for on-the-record testimony
- Observe on-the-record interviews and settlement negotiations
- Attend departmental meetings and participate in trainings

Benefits:

- Opportunity to gain experience in the securities industry
- Develop skills and knowledge through trainings and hands-on experience
- Network with professionals in the legal and financial fields
- Gain insight into the regulatory process of the financial industry

Important Information:

- The position is not eligible for salary or benefits, as it is unpaid.
- FINRA's Code of Conduct imposes restrictions on employees' investments and requires financial disclosures specifically related to the role as a securities regulator.
- Employees must also execute FINRA's Employee Confidentiality and Invention Assignment Agreement and comply with the company's policy on nepotism.
- All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, citizenship status, color, disability, marital status, national origin, race, religion, sex, veteran status, or any other classification protected by federal, state, or local laws.

Application Accessibility:

FINRA strives to make our career site accessible to all users. If you need a disability-related accommodation for completing the application process, please contact FINRA's Employee Relations team at or by email at . Please note that this process is exclusively for inquiries regarding application accommodations.

Search Firm Representatives:

Please be advised that FINRA is not seeking assistance or accepting unsolicited resumes from search firms for this employment opportunity. A valid written agreement and task order must be in place before any resumes are submitted to **MEMBERS ONLY**SIGN UP NOW***. Resumes submitted without a valid written agreement and task order will be deemed the sole property of FINRA and no fee will be paid in the event of hiring.

Time Off and Paid Leave:

FINRA values the health and wellness of its employees and offers a generous time-off program, including 15 days of paid time off, 5 personal days, and 9 sick days (all pro-rated in the first year). Employees are also encouraged to volunteer in their communities, with two volunteer service days provided (based on full-time schedule). Other paid leave includes military leave, jury duty leave, bereavement leave, and voting and election official leave. Full-time employees also receive nine paid holidays.

Additional Benefits:

- Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance
- Basic and supplemental life and accidental death and dismemberment insurance
- Short- and long-term disability insurance
- Long-term care insurance
- Business travel accident insurance
- Tuition reimbursement
- Commuter benefits
- Adoption assistance
- Backup family care
- Surrogacy benefits
- Employee assistance and wellness programs

FINRA is committed to employee wellness and offers immediate participation and vesting in a 401(k) plan with company match, as well as eligibility for participation in an additional FINRA-funded retirement contribution.

FINRA is dedicated to promoting diversity and inclusion in the workplace and abides by the requirements of 41 CFR ) and 41 CFR ), which prohibit discrimination against qualified individuals with disabilities and protected veterans, respectively.

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