**Job Responsibilities:**
The Fall Law Clerk Program offers a unique opportunity for selected law students to gain practical experience in the field of public defense. As a law clerk, you will be assigned a variety of projects and work in close collaboration with an assigned attorney. Key responsibilities include:
- Direct client contact, allowing you to engage and communicate with clients effectively.
- Conducting discovery review and organization to assist in the preparation of cases.
- Researching and drafting memorandums and motions to support legal proceedings.
- Certified law students will have the opportunity to make appearances on the record.
Additionally, law clerks will be mentored by experienced attorneys, participate in a mock trial competition to hone their litigation skills, learn the art of storytelling within a legal context, engage in a team project, produce a writing sample, and receive personalized career guidance counseling.
**Education and Experience Information:**
The program is designed for law students who are in good academic standing. It is crucial for candidates to be highly motivated, demonstrate a strong work ethic, and maintain the highest ethical standards of confidentiality concerning case details and conversations. Understanding the mission and objective of the department to provide the highest quality defense to each appointed client is essential. A strong background in community service is also highly valued.
Law School Graduates who are awaiting bar results are eligible for Post-Bar Senior Law Clerk positions. These positions are full-time, requiring 40 hours per week, and are available in the Fall.
**Salary Information:**
Post-Bar clerk positions are paid. Applicants for these positions can apply through the department of Human Resources.
**Additional Information:**
The Fall and Spring Law Clerk positions are part-time roles lasting approximately 12 weeks, requiring a minimum of sixteen hours per week. The Fall program starts on August 25 and ends on November 15. The Spring program runs from January 13, 2025, to April 4, 2025. The Summer law clerk position is a full-time, 40-hour-per-week clerkship lasting approximately 10 weeks, starting on May 27, 2025.
**Application Process:**
The program is small and highly competitive. Applications for the Law Clerk positions 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 Law Clerk Programs. Interested applicants should email a single PDF containing their cover letter and resume. The PDF should be titled with the applicant's last name, followed by their first name and the name of their law school. Applications are to be sent to the designated email address.
This program is an excellent pathway for law students to gain hands-on experience in public defense, develop essential legal skills, and receive mentorship from seasoned professionals in the field.
