Job Responsibilities:
The Law Student Summer Intern, classified as a Graduate Student Assistant, will work under the close supervision of a staff attorney within the Appellate Division of the Office of the State Public Defender (OSPD). The primary duties include:
- Assisting assigned counsel with legal research on issues pertaining to capital post-conviction litigation, including research on non-legal subject matters such as psychiatry, psychology, and forensic pathology, and drafting memos and legal pleadings.
- Conducting legal research on issues pertaining to non-capital post-conviction litigation and related non-legal subject matters.
- Reviewing the appellate record prior to certification, cataloging trial evidence and documents, reviewing for Racial Justice Act (RJA) violations, assisting in motions to correct and augment the appellate record, and drafting preservation motions.
- Managing and controlling case documents through manual and computerized systems, and collecting necessary documents and records.
- Performing other related duties and tasks as assigned, with potential travel requirements.
The intern will engage in continuous contact with OSPD attorneys, management staff, other OSPD employees, and other California government agencies, and may also interact with witnesses, private and government agencies outside California, and clients incarcerated at state prisons. The role involves performing critical legal tasks essential to the OSPD’s mission of providing high-quality representation to its clients.
Education and Experience Information:
The position requires registration as a graduate student in a college or university of recognized standing. Persons appointed during the summer must produce evidence of eligibility for such registration in the following enrollment period. The intern will be expected to have:
- Knowledge of Criminal Law, Criminal Procedure, Constitutional Law, and Evidence.
- Familiarity with computer programs such as Microsoft Teams, Word, Adobe, and Westlaw, and the ability to use these programs effectively.
- Understanding of legal research and writing principles.
The intern should demonstrate the ability to work independently with supervision, maintain good working relations with all staff levels, and uphold the security and confidentiality of privileged information in compliance with applicable laws.
Desirable qualifications include:
- Ability to problem-solve and manage time effectively.
- Adaptability to unpredictable changes in case priorities and assignments.
- Capability to meet scheduled and last-minute deadlines.
- Effective communication skills, both verbal and written.
- Strong analytical and organizational skills.
- Demonstrated ability to act independently and use good judgment.
Salary Information:
The position of Graduate Student Assistant offers a salary range of $3,616.00 to $4,731.00 per month, depending on the classification level (A, B, C, or D). The classification levels and their corresponding salary ranges are as follows:
- $3,616.00 - $4,020.00 A
- $3,904.00 - $4,341.00 B
- $4,046.00 - $4,543.00 C
- $4,214.00 - $4,731.00 D
Working Conditions:
The OSPD has offices in Oakland and Sacramento, both situated in modern high-rise buildings in downtown areas with access to public transportation and amenities. The position allows for full-time or part-time telework in accordance with government code 14200 for eligible applicants residing in California. The intern may be required to travel up to 5%. Business travel reimbursements consider an employee’s designated Headquarters Location and primary residence, and all commute expenses to the headquartered location will be the responsibility of the selected candidate.
The intern will work Monday through Friday, typically from 9:00 to 5:00, with the possibility of telecommuting when consistent with State policy. The intern will have the opportunity to attend a week of formal training with interns from sister agencies in San Francisco, CA, and to tour a State Prison.
The OSPD is committed to promoting a workplace rooted in Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB) principles and encourages applications from qualified individuals of any race, color, religion, ethnicity, national origin, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity or expression, disability, age, and veteran status.
Application Instructions:
Interested candidates should submit a complete application package, including the State Examination/Employment Application STD Form 678 or the Electronic State Employment Application through the Applicant Account at www.CalCareers.ca.gov. The application package must include a cover letter, two references, law school transcripts, and a legal writing sample. Applications are accepted electronically, by mail, or drop-off, and the final filing date is until filled.
For further information, applicants may visit the OSPD's website or contact Human Resources. The State of California is an equal opportunity employer and adheres to a drug-free workplace policy.
