Appeals Unit Law Clerk
Qualifications
- Attending an accredited law school
- Strong written and oral communication skills
- Demonstrated interest in indigent defense
Benefits
Many law schools will award academic credit to participants in the law clerk program. The requirements and procedures vary depending upon the specific school's guidelines.
How To Apply
Please submit a cover letter, résumé, writing sample, and unofficial transcript at Current Openings - FPDCDCA. For the summer program: Direct applications are accepted on a rolling basis, with a final deadline of the last day in January. We recommend that you submit your materials as early as possible.
Time Commitment
Summer appellate clerks are expected to volunteer for 40 hours a week for ten weeks. If you wish to participate in the program for fewer than ten weeks, please describe your availability in the cover letter submitted with your application.
Requirements
None specified
Skills
Strong written and oral communication skills
Pay
N/A
Schedule
N/A
About the role
The writs and appeals unit of the Federal Public Defender for the Central District represents indigent criminal defendants in their appeals to the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals and the U.S. Supreme Court, and in collateral litigation in federal district court.
Responsibilities
Reviewing records and brainstorming issues for appeal
Drafting memos on potential appeal issues
Developing appellate strategy in communication with clients
Potentially drafting sections of appellate briefs
Talking to incarcerated clients about their appeals
Participating in moots for Ninth Circuit arguments
Requisites
None specified
Skills
Strong written and oral communication skills
Benefits
Informal training through attorney mentors
Formal training through sessions offered to all of the office’s summer clerks
Pay
N/A
Schedule
N/A
Benefits
Academic credit from participating law schools