Senior Law Clerk

County of Los Angeles • Los Angeles, CA

5d • Onsite

About The Position

The Senior Law Clerk (SLC) Program is used by Los Angeles County Public Defender's office as a recruitment pipeline for the Deputy Public Defender I (DPD I) position. The program introduces select law graduates to the operations of the office, the court system, and related agencies within the criminal justice system. During the 16-week training program, SLCs gain practical experience through specialized unit assignments, courtroom proceedings, and case-related work. Under the supervision of experienced attorneys, SLCs develop legal, advocacy, case management, and professional skills while making on-the-record court appearances and participating in a variety of training activities.

Requirements

• Have a Juris Doctor (JD) degree from an approved or accredited law school
• Be registered to take the first available bar following your law school graduation date.
• Submit a diploma or transcripts, official or unofficial.
• Include proof of registration for the first available California Bar Examination following graduation.
• Candidates who complete the examination process but do not submit the required diploma and/or transcripts within ten (10) business days of filing their online application will be disqualified.
• To participate in the SLC Program, candidates must be eligible for certification through the California State Bar (Bar) Practical Training of Law Students (PTLS) Program as a post-graduate applicant at the time of appointment and must obtain PTLS certification upon entering the SLC Program.

Nice To Haves

• Successful completion of law school coursework in Moot Court, Trial Advocacy, or other litigation focused programs.
• Experience providing legal services, advocacy, or support to justice system involved individuals. This includes criminal defendants, incarcerated individuals, and those involved in juvenile or criminal legal systems.
• Experience providing legal services, legal advocacy, or legal support to vulnerable populations, including individuals experiencing homelessness, mental illness, substance use disorders, disabilities, domestic violence, or other social and economic hardships.
• Experience conducting legal research, preparing legal memoranda, drafting legal documents, or performing legal writing assignments.
• Experience gained through law school clinics, internships, externships, volunteer legal programs, public interest organizations, public defender offices, legal aid organizations, or other legal practice settings.

Responsibilities

• Conducts legal research and prepare legal documents by reviewing case law, statutes, and legal precedent; analyzes legal documents to prepare research memorandums and summaries in support of the effective representation of clients.
• Prepares written reports, drafts points and authorities, and legal memorandums.
• Assists the primary or overseeing attorney in reviewing and preparing legal documents, reports, and discovery used in court for mitigation, trial, or hearings.
• Reviews existing or drafted documents to ensure accuracy, report inconsistencies, or recommend revisions for the attorney.
• Attends court sessions to document proceedings.
• Coordinates with support staff the preparation and documentation of cases.
• Conducts preliminary client interviews to acquire factual, biographical, and financial information.
• Brings together relevant information for litigation or mitigation, such as witness statements, court documents, transcripts, and police reports.
• Reports findings and recommendations to the attorney in charge.
• Under the mentorship and/or judgment of the attorney coordinating the case, may schedule and prepare clients and witnesses for court appearances, hearings, or trials.
• May provide clients with summary of reports and/or discovery.
• Engages in training by attending law clerk and attorney development sessions to improve practical skills and courtroom presentation techniques.
• Gains proficiency in internal policies, procedures, and client case management systems and databases to prepare effectively for defense trial practice.
• Performs clerical and computer data input related to case management, such as coordinating extensive discovery, reports, and potential case exhibits; verifies that all files, complaints, or other papers are available and in order.
• Performs clerical duties, as needed, related to the maintenance of the departmental case management database.
• Makes appearances on the record in limited matters, such as preliminary hearings, as needed.
• Makes appearances on the record in limited matters , such as preliminary hearings, other contested matters where witnesses are questioned, and uncontested matters at the direction or discretion of the supervising attorney.

Benefits

• Training & Experience (T&E) Evaluation: This assessment evaluates education and training from the Los Angeles County Online Employment Application form. It also considers the Supplemental Questionnaire and other required supporting documents submitted at filing or within ten (10) business days of submitting your online application . This part of the assessment is worth 100% of your total score. Applicants must receive a passing score of 70% or higher on the assessment to be added to the list.
• Veteran’s Credit: Pursuant to the County Charter and County policy, in all open competitive examinations (i.e., examinations open to everyone), the County of Los Angeles will add a credit of 10 percent of the total credits specified for such examination to the final passing score of an honorably discharged veteran, as well as the spouse of a deceased or disabled veteran, who served in the Armed Forces of the United States under specific conditions.

What This Job Offers

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