2027 Spring, Summer & Fall Externship Program – Trial Division Student Law Clerk | Oregon Public Defense Commission (Medford, OR)

State of Oregon•Medford, OR

2d•Onsite

About The Position

The Oregon Public Defense Commission (OPDC) is seeking motivated law students interested in criminal defense, litigation, and public service for its 2027 Spring, Summer, and Fall Externship Program within the Trial Division. The centralized application allows candidates to indicate preferred terms and locations; applicants may be considered for one or more terms depending on availability, qualifications, preferences, and OPDC’s operational needs. Placement depends on office capacity, supervision availability, program needs, and operational requirements, and an application does not guarantee selection or placement in a particular term. Externs work alongside public defense attorneys and legal teams, gaining practical experience and exposure to indigent criminal defense. Assignments may include legal research and writing, case preparation, client-related work, courtroom observations, and other projects supporting public defense services. The program provides an opportunity to develop practical legal skills and learn about public defenders’ role in protecting individual rights and promoting fairness in the criminal legal system. This is an unpaid educational opportunity. Externs are not OPDC employees and are not eligible for salary, wages, benefits, or other employment-related compensation through the externship. Applicants are encouraged to consult their law school about academic credit and applicable externship requirements. Applicants must submit a resume, current law school transcript, 5–10-page legal writing sample, and applicant statement of no more than 500 words. Applicants currently on academic probation must also submit a recommendation letter from their law school dean. The applicant statement must address interest in serving as a Student Law Clerk with OPDC, alignment with professional and career goals, and a significant challenge overcome and lessons learned. Supplemental questions ask applicants to identify their preferred term or terms and confirm their availability. Incomplete applications may not receive further consideration. Applications are reviewed for qualifications, interest in public defense, legal skills, and potential contribution to the Trial Division. Review may include application materials and interview responses. Interview candidates may be asked about public defense and criminal law, public-service commitment, professional judgment and ethics, communication and collaboration, critical thinking, problem solving, adaptability, organization, time management, and ability to learn from feedback.

Requirements

Be currently enrolled in an American Bar Association-accredited law school.
Have successfully completed the first year of law school by the start of the applicable externship term.
Possess a valid driver's license.
Demonstrate legal research and legal writing skills.
Be legally authorized to work in the United States.
Submit a resume, current law school transcript, a 5–10-page legal writing sample, and an applicant statement of no more than 500 words.
Applicants currently on academic probation must also submit a recommendation letter from their law school dean.

Nice To Haves

Strong legal research, writing, analytical, and critical-thinking skills.
Effective problem-solving and decision-making abilities.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
Professional judgment, integrity, and understanding of ethical responsibilities.
Initiative, self-motivation, and willingness to learn.
Strong interpersonal skills and ability to collaborate with attorneys and other legal-team members.
Effective organization and time-management skills.
Commitment to public service, indigent defense, and serving diverse communities.
Ability to receive constructive feedback and apply it to professional development.