Law Clerk-Extra Help

County of Shasta•Redding, CA

1d•$29•Onsite

About The Position

The Shasta County Public Defender’s Office is seeking Post-Bar Certified Law Clerks for an immersive, hands-on legal training experience in public defense. This limited-term position is for individuals sitting for the July 2026 California Bar Exam who are eligible for certification under the State Bar’s Practical Training of Law Students (PTLS) program. Under the supervision of experienced Deputy Public Defenders, selected candidates will make court appearances, prepare and argue motions, interview and advise clients, assist in case preparation and investigation, and may assist in conducting a jury trial. This is a rare opportunity to gain real-world courtroom and client experience while serving indigent individuals accused of crimes. The office provides comprehensive mentorship and exposure to misdemeanor and felony practice, with a strong focus on ethical advocacy, litigation skills, and client-centered representation. The program offers a unique opportunity to develop litigation and advocacy skills while serving indigent clients and working alongside a team of dedicated public defenders. Law clerks will receive in-depth training across all areas of criminal defense and courtroom practice. There are two distinct assignments available: Misdemeanor Assignment, where the clerk will manage all aspects of misdemeanor practice, and Research and Motion Assignment, where the clerk will assist with drafting and arguing motions on misdemeanor and felony cases. This is an extra help position that will begin in August and last until bar results are released. If the individual passes the bar, they may be eligible to apply for a full-time Deputy Public Defender position. If they do not pass, employment will conclude upon release of results.

Requirements

Sitting for the July 2025 California Bar Exam
Eligible for State Bar PTLS certification
Demonstrated interest in public service, trial advocacy, or mental health/dependency law
Strong research, writing, and courtroom communication skills
Eligible for the Provisional Licensure Program as defined in the California Rules of Court, Rule 9.49; OR Eligible for certification as a Registered Law Student as defined in California Rules of Court, Rule 9.42.
Applicants are ineligible for registration as a certified law student if they are licensed to practice law in any jurisdiction, have failed to take the first California Bar Examination they were eligible for, or if they have taken and received the results for their first eligible administration of the California Bar Exam.
Possession of certificate of registration as a certified law student by the State Bar is required to be obtained upon hire and maintained throughout the course of employment in this position.
Successfully completed one (1) full year of studies (minimum of 270 hours) at a law school accredited by the American Bar Association or the State Bar of California, or both.
Passed the first-year law students' examination.
Either successfully completed or are currently enrolled in and attending academic courses in evidence and civil procedure.
Eligible for certification as a Registered Law Student as defined in California Rules of Court, Rule 9.42.
Knowledge of principles of criminal, juvenile, and civil law
Knowledge of principles, practices, methods and materials of legal research and analysis
Knowledge of principles of legal writing
Knowledge of preparing briefs and opinions
Familiarity with legal research including but not limited to legal databases
Knowledge of legal terms, procedures, forms, and documents used in court cases
Knowledge of methods and practices of pleadings
Knowledge of practices and effective techniques in presentation of court cases
Knowledge of judicial processes and procedures, regulations, and rules of evidence
Knowledge of methods and techniques for pretrial and trial preparation
Knowledge of principles and techniques for working with groups and fostering effective team interaction
Knowledge of techniques for providing a high level of customer service
Knowledge of English language, including meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
Ability to read, analyze, and interpret complex or detailed information or documents
Ability to analyze, interpret, and apply relevant legal principles, facts, evidence, and precedents to legal problems
Ability to present statements of law, facts, and arguments clearly and logically in written and oral form
Ability to comprehend, digest, and summarize complex legal documents
Ability to evaluate complaints and obtain information through personal interviews
Ability to handle difficult situations and respond quickly to changing situations
Ability to establish and maintain harmonious and cooperative relationships with other staff members, other county staff, and the public
Ability to operate contemporary office equipment inclusive of computer, keyboard, and all applicable electronic equipment
Ability to write clear concise and accurate legal documents
Ability to retain and recall information.

Nice To Haves

Candidates applying for the misdemeanor assignment should have a strong interest in criminal defense, client-centered representation, and trial advocacy.
Candidates applying for the Research and Motion Clerk assignment should possess strong legal research and writing skills and an interest in criminal law and constitutional litigation.
The ideal candidate is a team player who thrives in a fast-paced environment and is committed to pursuing justice, equity, and dignity for all clients.

Responsibilities

Make court appearances
Prepare and argue motions
Interview and advise clients
Assist in case preparation and investigation
Assist in conducting a jury trial
Perform legal research and assist with the preparation of trial briefs and legal memoranda
Prepare motions and pleadings
Review case files, organize reports, prepare witness lists, and prepare summary sheets
Summarize records, depositions, background information, and other legal documents
Conduct client and witness interviews
Draft ordinances, resolutions, and other legal measures
Create and maintain documents related to cases and other legal matters, trial notebooks, indices, and files
Assist attorneys with trial preparation including drafting jury instructions, witness and exhibit lists, expert witness disclosure demands and responses, prepare subpoenas, conduct privilege reviews, and assist at depositions, hearings, and trials, and document reviews
Review complaints and law enforcement agency reports or records
Confer with investigators regarding the collection of facts
Monitor legal developments, including proposed legislation and court decisions
Prepare preliminary analysis of legislative bills and research legislative history
Respond to California Public Record Act requests
Conduct hearings and trials in court, under supervision of a licensed attorney, as a certified law clerk as allowed by the California State Bar