Senior Law Clerk

County of Los Angeles•Los Angeles, CA

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Senior Law Clerk (SLC) is an outstanding 16-week paid internship performing legal research, assisting in various criminal cases, participating in hearings and trials and a pathway to advancing into permanent employment as a Deputy Alternate Public Defender (DAPD) I. The Office of the Alternate Public Defender (APD) is the second-largest public defender’s office in California, with 300+ attorneys and staff in more than 20 offices countywide! Los Angeles County is the most populous county in the nation with almost 10 million residents. As the largest employer in Southern California with over 100,000 employees in 39 departments, we provide vital and diverse public services like law enforcement, property assessment, public health protection, water conservation, and cultural activities. The County has more than 2,100 different job types, offering a lifetime of opportunities and careers! We are dedicated professionals committed to preserving the dignity and integrity of the workplace as well as protecting the rights of each employee. Join us and discover one of the strongest public-sector benefits packages in the county with a rich selection of health care options, robust retirement plans and the flexibility to work, relax, and rejuvenate to reach your fullest personal and professional potential.

Requirements

Be eligible for certification through the California State Bar (Bar) Practical Training of Law Students (PTLS) program at the time of the appointment
Have a Juris Doctor degree from an approved or accredited law school, AND be registered to take the first available bar following your law school graduation date
Be currently enrolled in law school, AND have successfully completed Second Year or equivalent of law school
Provide a legible copy of your official diploma, transcripts, or letter from an accredited institution that shows the area of specialization.
Have sat for or registered to sit for the first eligible bar exam. The results of the first eligible bar must not be published at the time of appointment
Register as a law student with the California State Bar.
Submit proof of bar registration and approval by logging into the Bar applicant community site and providing a screenshot with your Application and Examination Event Information details or a copy of your Admittance Ticket.
A valid California Class C Driver License or the ability to utilize an alternative method of transportation when needed to carry out job-related essential functions.

Nice To Haves

Pathway to advancing into permanent employment as a Deputy Alternate Public Defender (DAPD) I.

Responsibilities

Researches, studies, interprets, and applies laws, court decisions, and other legal authorities for use in the preparation of cases, opinions, pleadings, briefs and other legal documents.
Organizes extensive legal discovery, reports, documents and potential exhibits.
Conducts pretrial review of case files for witness subpoenas and other necessary evidence for trial.
Conducts preliminary interviews of potential complainants in criminal cases and reports on findings of facts to determine if cause of sufficient evidence is present to undertake prosecution.
Reads, understands and analyses legal documents such as pleadings, affidavits, court orders, transcripts statutory codes and appellate decisions.
Prepares a variety of legal documents including drafts and memoranda summarizing the results of examinations of court decisions, administrative board decisions, State statutes, ordinances and opinions.
Provides information to judges, attorneys, and the public concerning the work of the department.
Communicates with witnesses, experts, clients and other interested parties.
Schedules witnesses and prepares witnesses and clients in courtroom procedures and appropriate protocol.
Interviews clients to obtain factual, biographical and financial information.
Performs other related work as required.