Summer Appellate Law Clerk

Summary

California Correctional Health Care Services is hiring a Summer Appellate Law Clerk for the Office of the State Public Defender. The role supports appellate criminal defense work for indigent clients while developing legal research and writing skills and contributing to capital, non-capital, and amicus matters.

Responsibilities

• You will become a stronger writer and sharper legal researcher
• You will come away with an understanding of what a career in appellate criminal defense entails and a writing sample that will help you open doors
• You will be making a difference in the lives of people who need your help

Skills

• Registration as a graduate student in law at a college or university of recognized standing
• (Persons appointed during the summer months must produce evidence of eligibility for such registration in the following enrollment period.)
• Coursework or experience in: Criminal Law, Criminal Procedure, Constitutional Law, Evidence, and/or The Racial Justice Act
• Experience working with system-impacted people and/or indigent individuals
• Ability to work independently with supervision, and in a team environment
• Ability to develop and maintain good working relations with all levels of staff
• Ability to maintain security and confidentiality of privileged information in compliance with applicable laws
• Knowledge of computer programs such as Word, other Microsoft Office applications, Adobe, and Westlaw and the ability to use such programs efficiently and effectively
• Knowledge of legal research and writing principles
• Ability to meet scheduled and last-minute deadlines
• Ability to problem-solve and manage time effectively
• Ability to meet scheduled and last-minute deadlines
• Demonstrated ability to act independently and to use good judgment
• Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing
• A legal writing sample is required. A writing sample that includes substantive legal analysis and reflects your ability to write as an advocate is preferred

Qualifications

Must Haves

• Registration as a graduate student in law at a college or university of recognized standing
• (Persons appointed during the summer months must produce evidence of eligibility for such registration in the following enrollment period.)

Nice to Haves

• Coursework or experience in: Criminal Law, Criminal Procedure, Constitutional Law, Evidence, and/or The Racial Justice Act
• Experience working with system-impacted people and/or indigent individuals
• Ability to work independently with supervision, and in a team environment
• Ability to develop and maintain good working relations with all levels of staff
• Ability to maintain security and confidentiality of privileged information in compliance with applicable laws
• Knowledge of computer programs such as Word, other Microsoft Office applications, Adobe, and Westlaw and the ability to use such programs efficiently and effectively
• Knowledge of legal research and writing principles
• Ability to meet scheduled and last-minute deadlines
• Ability to problem-solve and manage time effectively
• Ability to meet scheduled and last-minute deadlines
• Demonstrated ability to act independently and to use good judgment
• Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing
• A legal writing sample is required. A writing sample that includes substantive legal analysis and reflects your ability to write as an advocate is preferred

Benefits

• Health benefits
• Dental benefits
• Retirement benefits
• Hybrid telework in accordance with government code 14200 for eligible applicants residing in California
• Business travel reimbursements consider an employee's designated Headquarters Location, primary residence