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

State of Oregon•Portland, OR

About The Position

The Oregon Public Defense Commission (OPDC) is seeking motivated law students with an interest in criminal defense, litigation, and public service for its 2027 Spring, Summer, and Fall Externship Program within the Trial Division. Applicants may apply once and indicate their preferred term and location; candidates may be considered for multiple terms depending on availability, qualifications, preferences, and OPDC’s operational needs. Externs work alongside public defense attorneys and legal teams. Assignments may include legal research and writing, case preparation, client-related work, courtroom observations, and other projects supporting public defense services throughout Oregon. The educational opportunity is intended to develop practical legal skills and provide firsthand exposure to indigent criminal defense and the role of public defenders in protecting individual rights and promoting fairness in the criminal legal system. This is an unpaid externship. 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.

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, legal writing sample of 5–10 pages, 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 an OPDC Student Law Clerk, alignment with professional and career goals, and a significant challenge overcome, including the approach taken and lessons learned.

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.