Fall 2026 Externship Opportunities with the Oregon Public Defense Commission

Initial Posting Date: 08/10/2026  |  Application Deadline: 08/16/2026 (and may extend at any time)

About the role

The Oregon Public Defense Commission (OPDC) is seeking highly motivated law students who are passionate about criminal defense and public service to serve as Student Law Clerks within the Trial Division. These positions provide meaningful, hands-on experience working alongside experienced public defense attorneys. This is an unpaid externship opportunity intended for law students seeking practical experience in public defense. Externs are not considered employees of the Oregon Public Defense Commission and are not eligible for salary, wages, benefits, or other employment-related compensation.

Available locations: Portland, Salem, and Medford, Oregon.

Responsibilities

• Assist with legal research and legal writing
• Support case preparation
• Engage in client-related work
• Conduct courtroom observations
• Contribute to projects that support the delivery of high-quality public defense services

Requirements

• Currently enrolled in an ABA-accredited law school
• Successfully completed first year of law school
• Possess a valid driver’s license
• Demonstrate strong legal research and legal writing skills
• Legally authorized to work in the United States

Qualifications

Preferred qualifications:

• Excellent legal research and writing abilities
• Strong analytical and critical thinking skills
• Sound problem-solving abilities
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Professional judgment and sound decision-making
• Initiative and self-motivation
• Strong interpersonal skills
• Ability to work collaboratively as part of a legal team
• Commitment to public service and serving diverse communities

Application Materials

• Resume
• Current law school transcript
• Academic reference letter
• Legal writing sample (5–10 pages)
• Applicant statement (maximum 500 words) addressing:
  • Why you are interested in serving as a Student Law Clerk with the Oregon Public Defense Commission
  • How this opportunity aligns with your professional and career goals
  • A significant challenge you have overcome, your approach, and what you learned
• Supplemental questions indicating preferred externship location (Portland, Salem, or Medford)

Applicants currently on academic probation must also submit a letter of recommendation from the Dean of their law school.

Selection Process

Applicants will be evaluated using a comprehensive review of their application materials and interview performance. Evaluation criteria include:

• Cover letter
• Legal writing sample
• Applicant statement
• Academic reference
• Interview responses

Candidates selected for interviews should be prepared to discuss:

• Interest in public defense and criminal law
• Commitment to public service
• Professional judgment and ethics
• Communication skills
• Collaboration and teamwork
• Critical thinking and problem-solving
• Adaptability and resilience
• Time management and organization
• Ability to receive, apply, and learn from constructive feedback

Benefits

At the Oregon Public Defense Commission, Student Law Clerks gain practical experience while working alongside dedicated public defenders committed to ensuring high-quality legal representation for every client. This clerkship provides:

• Valuable mentorship
• Meaningful legal experience
• Opportunity to make a tangible impact while preparing for a career in public defense or litigation