Job Title: Senior Law Clerk, Fall
Job Responsibilities:
The Senior Law Clerk (SLC) position within the Public Defender's department of the organization is a 16-week internship program offering a pathway to permanent employment as a Deputy Public Defender (DPD) I. The program provides a unique opportunity for participants to engage in various legal tasks and gain practical experience in a legal environment under the mentorship and supervision of senior-level DPDs. Key responsibilities include:
- Conducting legal research, analyzing court decisions, and applying laws and legal authorities in case preparation.
- Organizing extensive legal discovery, reports, documents, and potential case exhibits.
- Conducting pretrial reviews of case files, including witness subpoenas and evidence gathering for trials.
- Conducting preliminary interviews with potential complainants in criminal cases and reporting findings to determine prosecution viability.
- Preparing a variety of legal documents, such as memoranda summarizing court decisions and administrative board decisions.
- Communicating with witnesses, experts, clients, and other parties to gather information and provide it to judges, attorneys, and the public.
- Interviewing clients to obtain factual, biographical, and financial information.
- Scheduling witnesses for court appearances and preparing them for courtroom procedures and protocols.
Education and Experience Information:
To qualify for the SLC position, candidates must meet one of the following options:
Option 1:
- Possess a Juris Doctor (JD) degree from an approved or accredited law school.
- Be registered to take the first available bar exam following law school graduation.
- Be eligible for certification through the California State Bar Practical Training of Law Students (PTLS) program at the time of appointment.
Option 2:
- Be currently enrolled in law school and have successfully completed the second year or equivalent.
- Be eligible for certification through the California State Bar PTLS program at the time of appointment.
Additional requirements include:
- Providing a copy of the diploma, official or unofficial transcripts showing current enrollment or degree conferred, and proof of registration for the Bar Exam.
- Having sat for or registered to sit for the first eligible bar exam, with results not published at the time of appointment.
- Registering as a law student with the California State Bar.
Candidates must also possess a valid California Class "C" Driver License or the ability to utilize alternative transportation methods when necessary.
Physical Expectations:
The position requires light physical effort, including occasional light lifting (up to 10 pounds), bending, stooping, or squatting, and considerable ambulation.
Salary Information:
The position offers a salary of hourly.
Additional Information:
- The SLC program is conducted 100% in-person.
- The organization values diversity, equity, inclusion, and access, encouraging candidates from diverse backgrounds to apply.
- Candidates must comply with the organization's COVID-19 vaccination requirement.
- The organization is a Fair Chance employer and adheres to anti-racism, diversity, and inclusion efforts.
- The recruitment process includes an evaluation of Training and Experience (T&E) weighted at 100%, based on the candidate's education and training as provided in the application and supplemental questionnaire.
- Eligible candidates will be placed on a register for six months, and vacancies will be filled from this register.
- Applications must be submitted online, and all communications regarding the application process will be sent electronically.
The organization is committed to equal employment opportunity and non-discrimination in its workforce.
