Trial Unit Law Clerk - Los Angeles

The Federal Public Defender’s Office for the Central District of California (FPD-CDCA) offers an intense and rewarding experience to law students and recent post-bar graduates who wish to volunteer in an office dedicated to the zealous defense of the indigent accused. Through our program, law clerks assist trial lawyers in all aspects of our work, including performing legal research, drafting pleadings, analyzing discovery, assisting with trial preparation, visiting clients and helping to develop sentencing mitigation. We offer a robust, formal training program as well as an informal training resulting from working closely with trial attorneys on case‑specific projects. Time Commitment During the summer, law clerks agree to volunteer 40 hours a week. During the school year, law clerks agree to volunteer anywhere from 15 hours to 40 hours a week. Qualifications Applicants to the program must be attending, or have recently graduated from, an accredited law school. The program seeks applicants with strong written and oral communication skills and a demonstrated interest in indigent defense. Obtaining School Credit Many law school programs will award academic credit to participants in the law clerk program. The requirements and procedures vary depending upon the specific school’s guidelines. The law clerk is responsible for coordinating between their school and our office to assure that all relevant paperwork is completed and that all credit requirements are met. For the summer program: Direct applications are accepted on a rolling basis, with a final deadline of the last day in January. We recommend that you submit your materials as early as possible. For the semester program: Applications are accepted on a rolling basis. Again, we recommend that you submit your materials as early as possible. The Federal Public Defender’s Office for the Central District of California is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All applicants, regardless of race, ethnicity, national origin, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, disability, or age, are encouraged to apply. #J-18808-Ljbffr