Job Responsibilities:
The Fall Law Clerk Program offers an immersive experience for selected law students to understand the practical aspects of being a public defender. Law clerks in this program will be assigned various projects and will work closely with an assigned attorney. Key responsibilities include:
- Direct client contact, enabling clerks to interact and communicate with clients effectively.
- Conducting discovery review and organization, which involves managing and analyzing legal documents pertinent to cases.
- Researching and drafting memorandums and motions, providing essential support to attorneys in case preparation.
- Certified law students may have the opportunity to make appearances on the record, gaining firsthand experience in legal proceedings.
- Participating in a mock trial competition to hone trial skills and learn the art of storytelling in a legal context.
- Engaging in team projects and producing a writing sample to demonstrate legal writing proficiency.
- Receiving one-on-one career guidance counseling from experienced attorneys to aid in professional development.
Education and Experience Information:
Eligible candidates for the Fall Law Clerk position are law students who are in good academic standing and demonstrate strong motivation and work ethic. The program is particularly designed for those who understand the mission of the Alternate Public Defender and have a strong background in community service. Additionally, law school graduates awaiting bar results are eligible for Post-Bar Senior Law Clerk positions. These positions are full-time and paid, providing an opportunity for recent graduates to gain practical experience while awaiting their bar exam results.
Salary Information:
The Post-Bar Senior Law Clerk positions are paid roles, though specific salary details are not provided in the text. Interested candidates can apply through the LA County Department of Human Resources for these positions. The Fall Law Clerk position, however, does not specify any salary information, suggesting it may be an unpaid or volunteer position.
Additional Program Details:
- The Fall Law Clerk positions are part-time, requiring a minimum of sixteen hours per week over approximately 12 weeks. The Fall program runs from August 25 to November 15.
- The Spring Law Clerk program begins on January 13, 2025, and ends on April 4, 2025.
- The Summer Law Clerk position is a full-time, 40 hours per week commitment, lasting approximately 10 weeks starting May 27, 2025.
Application Process:
Applications for the Law Clerk Program are accepted from October 1st through March 31st, or until positions are filled. During this period, candidates are interviewed for the Summer, Fall, and Spring programs. The program seeks a diverse group of law students who can maintain high ethical standards of confidentiality, understand the mission of the Alternate Public Defender, and have a strong service background. Interested applicants should email a single PDF containing their cover letter and resume, titled with their last name, first name, and name of law school, to the specified email address.
This program is designed to provide law students with a comprehensive and practical understanding of public defense work, preparing them for potential future roles within the legal system.
