Law Clerk Intern

City of Riverside • Riverside, CA

13d • Onsite

About The Position

The City of Riverside is accepting applications for one (1) Law Clerk Intern for Spring 2027. The eligibility list established may be used to fill the current and/or upcoming vacancies within this classification for up to six (6) months. The Riverside City Attorney’s Office (RCAO) is comprised of the City Attorney, three Assistant City Attorneys, fourteen Deputy City Attorneys, four paralegals, and legal support specialists. The RCAO serves as corporate counsel to the City of Riverside, a charter city and municipal corporation. As such, the RCAO plays an integral role in the day-to-day operation of the City. In this regard, the RCAO serves as general counsel to the City Council and represents all City officers and employees in matters of law pertaining to their offices and appears for the City in actions or proceedings in which the City, its officers and employees are a party. The RCAO also approves the form of all contracts made by, and all bonds and certificates of insurance given to the City and prepares any and all proposed ordinances and/or resolutions for the City and amendments thereto. The RCAO prides itself in being able to keep the majority of its legal work in-house. As in-house counsel, attorneys routinely practice in the areas of administrative law, environmental law, land use law, torts and civil rights law, employment law, public utilities law, public contracts law, and other areas unique to the public sector. Incorporated in 1870, the City of Riverside is California’s 12th-largest municipality (59th largest nationally) with a population of over 310,000 people and growing. The City also serves as the county seat for Riverside County. Riverside is home to the Eastern Division of the Federal District Court, Central District; the U.S. Bankruptcy Court; the California Court of Appeal, 4th Appellate District, Division Two; as well as the Superior Court of California for Riverside County, which encompasses civil, criminal, family and juvenile law courts. This Internship Program is funded by the Youth Service Corps Grant. The Youth Service Corps Grant emphasizes four areas of service: education, food insecurity, climate change, and public service. It combines responsibilities, learning opportunities, and the chance to interact meaningfully with your community. Interns funded through the Youth Service Corps Grant will work 19 hours per week in a department at the City of Riverside, take a monthly training course, and meet with a job coach. The job classification being used is General Service Worker. Law Clerk Intern is a working title to reflect the current, specific need.

Requirements

• Currently enrolled in or recent graduate of an ABA- or California State Bar-accredited law school.
• Between the ages of 16 and 30 years old (to qualify for Youth Service Corps Grant).
• Meet at least one (1) of the following criteria for Youth Service Corps Grant: Have not participated in an AmeriCorps program, May have difficulty finding employment, Are low income, Are unemployed and/or out of school, Are/were justice involved, Are in/or transitioning from foster care, and/or Are engaged with the mental health or substance abuse system.
• Completed Employment Application
• Completed Supplemental Questionnaire
• Resume
• Letter of interest

Nice To Haves

• Participation in law review, moot court, trial advocacy, and other extracurricular activities which emphasize legal research and writing skills.

Responsibilities

• Write and argue motions in the Superior Court (for Certified Law Students).
• Make appearances under the supervision of an attorney (for Certified Law Students).
• Prosecute or defend actions on behalf of the City in Small Claims Court (for non-Bar Certified interns).
• Provide assistance in all phases of litigation, including trial.
• Research and draft legal opinions regarding issues facing the City.
• Help draft and revise provisions of the Riverside Municipal Code.
• Attend meetings involving City Council and the City’s various Boards and Commissions.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Part-time
• Career Level: Intern
• Education Level: Associate degree