Law Student - Government in Downey, CA

Government

Downey, CA

Law Student - Government in Downey, CA

Law Student

No

Job Title: Senior Law Clerk, Fall

Job Responsibilities:
The Senior Law Clerk (SLC) position is a 16-week internship program within the Public Defender's Office, designed to provide recent law school graduates with practical legal experience and prepare them for potential permanent employment as a Deputy Public Defender (DPD) I. During the internship, participants will engage in various legal activities under the guidance and mentorship of senior-level Deputy Public Defenders. Key responsibilities include:

- Conducting preliminary hearings and participating in case work in specialized areas such as Post-Conviction, Law Enforcement Accountability, and Immigration.
- Assisting in preparing a wide array of criminal cases and participating in hearings and jury trials.
- Conducting legal research, reviewing legal documents, and organizing reports and exhibits for trials.
- Researching, studying, interpreting, and applying laws, court decisions, and other legal authorities in case preparation.
- Organizing extensive legal discovery, reports, documents, and potential case exhibits.
- Conducting pretrial reviews of case files for witness subpoenas and evidence gathered for trials.
- Conducting preliminary interviews of potential complainants in criminal cases to determine if sufficient cause exists for prosecution.
- Analyzing legal documents, such as pleadings, affidavits, court orders, transcripts, statutory codes, and appellate decisions.
- Preparing various legal documents, including memoranda summarizing court decisions, administrative board decisions, state statutes, ordinances, and opinions.
- Communicating with witnesses, experts, clients, and other interested parties, and providing information to judges, attorneys, and the public concerning the work of the department.
- Interviewing clients to obtain factual, biographical, and financial information.
- Scheduling witnesses for court appearances and interviews and preparing witnesses and clients in courtroom procedures and protocol.

Education and Experience Information:
To be eligible for the Senior Law Clerk position, candidates must meet one of the following criteria:

Option 1:
- Have 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.
- Have successfully completed the second year or equivalent of law school.
- Be eligible for certification through the California State Bar PTLS program at the time of appointment.

Candidates must provide documentation such as a diploma, transcripts, or proof of enrollment to demonstrate they meet the above requirements.

Salary Information:
The position offers a salary of per hour.

Additional Information:
- The Senior Law Clerk program is conducted 100% in-person.
- The position requires light physical effort, including occasional lifting up to 10 pounds, and may involve bending, stooping, or squatting.
- A valid California Class "C" Driver License or the ability to utilize alternative transportation methods is required.
- The County of Los Angeles is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer and a Fair Chance employer, committed to promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion.
- All County workforce members must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 as a condition of employment, with exemptions available for qualifying medical or religious reasons.
- Applications must be submitted online, and all communication regarding the application process will be sent electronically.

Candidates interested in the Senior Law Clerk position should apply online, ensuring their application is complete and accurate, and provide all necessary documentation to demonstrate eligibility.