Legal Fellow (Post-Bar)

City of Sunnyvale • Sunnyvale, CA

8d • Hybrid

About The Position

The Legal Fellow is a temporary, paid position designed for recent law school graduates who have completed the bar examination and are awaiting bar admission or are newly admitted to practice. The position is designed to provide fellows with practical, hands-on experience in municipal law under the supervision of experienced attorneys, while supporting the legal needs of a small city attorney's office. The Fellow will work under the direct supervision of the City Attorney and designated Senior Assistant and Assistant City Attorneys. Work will include shadowing and assisting attorneys with routine legal work including but not limited to legal research, drafting, contract review, public records review and responses, and advising City departments. This position is intended as a training opportunity and will emphasize professional development through attorney review and supervision of the Fellow's work, feedback and coaching, exposure to a range of municipal legal issues, opportunities to attend internal and public meetings, and increasing responsibility as skills develop. The ideal candidate will be a self-starter with strong communication and legal analysis skills, the ability to work independently and take ownership, and an interest in municipal law. The fellow can expect to experience assigning attorney supervision, discussions of legal issues and strategy as it relates to assignments; inclusion in meetings to observe attorney-client discussions and decision-making; defined expectations and establishment of deadlines; prompt review of work; constructive feedback, regular check-ins; increasing complexity and independence of assignments as experience is gained.

Requirements

• J.D. from an ASA-accredited law school
• Completion of a state bar examination (California preferred)
• Excellent legal research, writing, analytical skills
• Strong verbal, interpersonal, and written communication skills
• Ability to take initiative, manage multiple assignments, and meet deadlines
• Demonstrated professionalism, sound judgment, and attention to detail
• Experience using Westlaw, Microsoft Office programs
• Maintain confidentiality; exercise professional judgment
• Take ownership of assigned projects (think critically, research new issues, ask thoughtful questions, meet deadlines, effectively manage time)
• Comfortable working remotely (Teams, Zoom) with coworkers and clients

Nice To Haves

• Coursework, experience, or demonstrated interest in municipal/public sector law
• Internship or clinical experience developing practical law skills and effective communication

Responsibilities

• Conduct legal research on municipal, constitutional, administrative, employment, land use, open meetings, public records, procurement, and other areas of local government law.
• Draft legal memoranda, ordinances, resolutions, contracts, and similar legal documents.
• Assist with responses to public records requests
• Review proposed policies and procedures for legal compliance
• Support attorneys in advising City departments and staff on legal matters (shadow attorneys at meetings, etc.)
• Draft presentations, training materials, and updates for City staff
• Observe hearings, negotiations, public meetings, and similar proceedings to gain practical experience
• Perform other duties consistent with the educational and skills goals of the fellowship

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Part-time
• Career Level: Entry Level