2027 Summer Law Clerk
About The Position
The Children's Law Center of California (CLC) selects the top 20-25 candidates from law schools around the nation to participate in our full-time 10-week program. Summer clerks learn about the Los Angeles or Sacramento County dependency court systems while developing crucial legal skills and learning to think critically about a wide range of child and family welfare issues. Law clerks are assigned to work one-on-one with licensed attorneys on matters involving children and families within the Los Angeles, Sacramento, and Placer County child welfare systems. This is a unique, hands-on learning opportunity for law clerks to assist attorneys with both client engagement and trial preparation, including witness interviews, legal research, and the preparation of motions and other court documents. Law clerks will attend juvenile court proceedings on a daily basis and witness how this system addresses the needs of families in crisis. Qualified law clerks are also encouraged to become certified through the California State Bar’s Practical Training of Law Students (PTLS) program to make court appearances on behalf of young clients. The CLC Summer for Strengthening Families Law Clerk Program features a comprehensive orientation and training schedule, including weekly internal and external opportunities and field trips to engage with our work beyond the courtroom.
Requirements
- Have a California address at the time of onboarding
- Be able to come into their assigned office or physically in the field for in-person work full-time throughout the 10-week term.
- Current enrollment in an accredited law school/university.
- Highly adaptable, demonstrating a strong willingness to assist with various tasks and possessing excellent teamwork skills.
- Exhibits professionalism, patience and understanding when interacting with clients and caregivers.
Nice To Haves
- Qualified law clerks are also encouraged to become certified through the California State Bar’s Practical Training of Law Students (PTLS) program to make court appearances on behalf of young clients.
Responsibilities
- Engaging directly with clients throughout the 10-week program, including observing, interviewing and supporting in the legal processes under attorney supervision.
- Attend daily juvenile court hearings, depositions, and other legal proceedings as needed.
- Communicate regularly with the attorneys, both verbally and in writing, regarding the status of caseloads and assignments and with all relevant information regarding the client.
- Collaborate with Social Work Investigators, Attorneys and multidisciplinary team members.
- Maintain confidentiality and adhere to all ethical obligations in handling client information.
- Continuous learning: staying informed and adapting evolving social dynamics to better engage and support clients from all backgrounds.
Benefits
- three paid sick days
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Intern
Education Level
No Education Listed
