The Los Angeles County Office of the Public Defender’s Law Clerk Program introduces law students to the operations of the criminal justice system under the mentorship of experienced criminal defense attorneys. Our Law Clerk Program consists of three different categories of Law Clerks: (1) Senior Law Clerks, (2) Volunteer Law Clerks, and (3) Emergency Appointment Law Clerks.
Law Clerks have opportunities to participate in a wide range of assignments within our robust interdisciplinary practice, including misdemeanor and felony trials, our juvenile justice division, and other specialized units. Law Clerks assist Deputy Public Defenders with a variety of projects, including participating in client interviews, case strategy meetings, and court proceedings. Law Clerks may complete research and writing projects, including briefs, investigative requests, and motions to be filed in court.
Law Clerks may obtain certification from the California State Bar and appear on the record in limited circumstances under the supervision of an experienced attorney.
The Senior Law Clerk program is a paid 16-week, full-time post-Bar exam clerkship. Upon successful completion of this program, our Senior Law Clerks are offered a unique opportunity to advance into permanent employment, as they are given priority consideration for entry-level position as a Deputy Public Defender upon admission to the California State Bar.
In order to receive practical experience, Senior Law Clerks must be eligible for certification from the California State Bar’s Practical Training of Law Students (PTLS) program at the time of the clerkship.
Our general law clerk program is an unpaid clerkship that is offered three terms annually, mirroring the academic calendar. Our summer term is a full-time position, while our fall and spring terms are part-time and will accommodate the law clerk’s academic schedule. Many law clerks will receive academic credit or funding from their law school or outside funding organization. Our team will work diligently to provide our law clerks with all necessary documentation to facilitate this process.
The Emergency Appointment Law Clerk program provides a limited number of paid positions to law students who have completed their first year (or equivalent) of law school. This program is offered three terms annually, mirroring the academic calendar. Our summer term is a full-time position, while our fall and spring terms are part-time and will accommodate the law clerk’s academic schedule.
