Law Student - Government in Chatsworth, CA

Government

Chatsworth, CA

Law Student - Government in Chatsworth, CA

Law Student

No

**Job Title:**

Senior Law Clerk, Spring

**Job Responsibilities:**

The Senior Law Clerk (SLC) position at the Public Defender's Office offers a comprehensive 16-week internship program designed to provide recent law school graduates with practical legal experience. This program serves as a stepping stone towards a permanent position as a Deputy Public Defender (DPD) I. Key responsibilities during this internship include:

- Conducting preliminary hearings and participating in case work in specialized areas such as Post-Conviction, Law Enforcement Accountability, and Immigration.
- Assisting in the preparation of various criminal cases and participating in hearings and jury trials under the guidance of senior-level DPDs.
- Conducting legal research, reviewing legal documents, and organizing reports and exhibits for trials.
- Conducting pretrial reviews of case files for evidence and witness subpoenas.
- Interviewing potential complainants in criminal cases to determine sufficient cause for prosecution.
- Preparing legal documents including memoranda, pleadings, and briefs.
- Communicating with witnesses, experts, clients, and judges to provide necessary information.
- Interviewing clients to gather factual, biographical, and financial information.
- Scheduling and preparing witnesses and clients for court appearances and courtroom procedures.

**Education and Experience Information:**

To qualify for the Senior Law Clerk position, candidates must meet one of the following options:

**Option 1:**

- Possess a Juris Doctor (JD) degree from an 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 (Bar) Practical Training of Law Students (PTLS) program at the time of appointment.

**Option 2:**

- Be currently enrolled in law school.
- Have completed the second year or equivalent of law school.
- Be eligible for certification through the California State Bar (Bar) PTLS program at the time of appointment.

Candidates must provide supporting documentation such as diplomas, transcripts, and proof of bar exam registration. Provisional licensees are not eligible for this examination.

**Salary Information:**

The position offers a salary of per hour.

**Additional Information:**

- The examination process consists of a Training and Experience (T&E) evaluation, weighted at 100%, based on education and training information submitted during the application process.
- Successful candidates will be placed on an eligible register for six months and may participate in the selection interview process if placed in a reachable band.
- The internship is conducted 100% in-person.
- 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.

**Application and Filing Information:**

Applications must be filed online. Candidates are encouraged to ensure the accuracy of their application information and provide all necessary documentation to verify their qualifications. Notifications regarding application status and examination results will be sent electronically.

**Special Information:**

- The County of Los Angeles is a Fair Chance employer, committed to anti-racism, diversity, and inclusion.
- Reasonable accommodations are available for applicants with disabilities.
- Candidates without regular computer or internet access can use public libraries within Los Angeles County to complete their applications.

**Conclusion:**

The Senior Law Clerk position offers a valuable opportunity for recent law graduates to gain hands-on legal experience and advance towards a career as a Deputy Public Defender. The program emphasizes advocacy, diversity, and inclusion, aligning with the organization’s mission to revolutionize the criminal justice system.