LAW CLERK-EMERGENCY APPOINTMENT/HOMELESS INITIATIVE

Los Angeles County; Los Angeles (CA); On-site; USD 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a transformative team at a leading public defender's office dedicated to social justice. This internship offers a unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience in the criminal justice system while advocating for vulnerable populations. As a Law Clerk, you'll work alongside experienced attorneys, assisting with case preparation, conducting client interviews, and engaging in meaningful legal research. Your contributions will directly impact the lives of individuals facing homelessness and mental health challenges. If you're passionate about making a difference and eager to learn, this is the perfect opportunity for you.

Benefits

Mentorship from Experienced Attorneys

Hands-on Legal Experience

Networking Opportunities

Flexible Hours

Qualifications

• Must be currently enrolled in law school or have passed the FYLSX.
• Experience in legal research and drafting is essential.

Responsibilities

• Support attorneys with legal research and case preparation.
• Conduct client interviews and assist in courtroom procedures.

Skills

Legal Research

Client Interviewing

Case Preparation

Drafting Legal Documents

Education

Currently enrolled in law school

Tools

Legal Research Databases

Case Management Software

Job description

Law Office of the Los Angeles County PUBLIC DEFENDER

EXAM NUMBER: L9240A-EA

RECRUITMENT TYPE: OPEN COMPETITIVE JOB OPPORTUNITY - Emergency

WHO WE ARE

The Los Angeles County Office of the Public Defender is the finest client-centered criminal defense firm in the nation, providing a beacon for evolutionary and revolutionary changes in the justice system.

Our Offices are headed by innovative and progressive leaders collaboratively working towards our agency’s mission of reducing the incarceration rate for our indigent clientele.

We are an essential contributor to Los Angeles County’s homelessness emergency response. Through its legal services, the Los Angeles County Office of the Public Defender works to facilitate the diversion of thousands of low-income community members annually from LA County’s jails and into treatment services and works to reduce the collateral social and economic impacts of contact with the criminal legal system, such as losing employment, social services, and housing. The collective services provided and supported by our workforce have a direct positive impact on our local homelessness crisis.

WHEN TO APPLY

Applications will be accepted beginning Thursday, April 18, 2024 at 8:00 a.m. (PT) until the needs of the service are met and is subject to closure without prior notice.

The LA County Board of Supervisors recently declared a local state of emergency for homelessness, and the County is working to revise and expand our response to help all who are affected. We are looking for qualified and passionate individuals to help us in the mission of addressing issues like housing, mental health, and substance use. If you are looking for an internship that will directly benefit the population of LA County, this may be the opportunity for you.

The Los Angeles County Office of the Public Defender is seeking qualified candidates to fill Law Clerk vacancies related to the homelessness crisis.

ABOUT THE POSITION

The Los Angeles County Office of the Public Defender's Law Clerk Program introduces select students to the operations of the office, the court system, and related agencies in the criminal justice system. Law Clerks are mentored by experienced criminal defense attorneys who provide them with real-life educational experience. Law clerks will play an important role in helping attorneys provide legal assistance to homeless clients seeking mental health and substance use disorder treatment and services, ensuring our unhoused clients receive the necessary legal support and access to vital treatment and services. Law clerks are given the opportunity to observe and participate in client interviews, case strategy meetings, and court proceedings. Law Clerks may complete research and writing projects including briefs, investigation requests, and motions to be filed in court. They may also accompany the attorneys to jail interviews and attend public defender training sessions.

The Law Clerk internship program in the Office of the Public Defender tracks the academic year and is offered in the summer (10 weeks) and in spring and fall (16 weeks).

OUR IDEAL TEAM MEMBER

This opportunity is for you if you wish to join a team revolutionizing the criminal justice system. We're looking for team members who hold our Office's shared values of zealously advocating in defense of our indigent clientele, and compassionately amplifying their stories.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS INCLUDE BUT MAY NOT BE LIMITED TO:

• Provides support to attorneys in a wide variety of legal tasks including research, interpretation, and application of laws, court decisions, and other legal authorities for use in the preparation of cases, pleadings, briefs, and other legal documents.
• Assists in reviewing and preparing case file discovery related to clients' mental health and substance use disorders.
• Analyzes medical records, psychiatric evaluations, and other relevant documents to identify key factors contributing to mitigation.
• Interviews clients to obtain factual, biographical and financial information and assists in the scheduling of witnesses and prepares witnesses and clients in courtroom procedures and appropriate protocol.
• Collaborates with the assigned attorney in drafting legal briefs and motions presented in court for mitigation, trial preparation, or hearings.
• Performs clerical and computer data input.

REQUIREMENTS

You MUST meet ONE of the requirement(s) listed below in order to be appointed to fill any vacancies related to this recruitment:

• Option 1: Currently enrolled in and completion of the first year or equivalent of study* in a school accredited by American Bar Association (ABA) or a California-accredited law school (CALS).
  *Program of study includes full-time, part-time, or distance learning programs. Completion of first year or equivalent is the completion of the expected coursework during the first year (1L) of law school.

• Option 2: Currently enrolled in an unaccredited law school registered with the State Bar of California (CALS) or currently participating in a law office study (LOS) program -AND- have passed the State Bar of California First Year Law Student's Examination (FYLSX)**

To show that you meet ONE of the options above, you will need to provide the following:

Under Option 1:

A copy of your official or unofficial transcripts or official letter from the ABA or CALS-approved, or accredited institution that clearly shows your current enrollment and grade level at the time of filing or within seven (7) calendar days from the date of filing your application. Submit your documentation to [e-mail] and indicate the exam name and number in the subject field of your email. If you do not provide the required documentation within the specified time frame your application may be rejected.

Accreditation Information: Accredited institutions are those listed in the publications of regional, national, or international accrediting agencies that are accepted by the Department of Human Resources. Publications such as American Universities and Colleges and the International Handbook of Universities are acceptable references. Also acceptable, if appropriate, are degrees that have been evaluated and deemed to be equivalent to degrees from United States-accredited institutions by an academic credential evaluation agency recognized by The National Association of Credential Evaluation Services or the Association of International Credential Evaluators, Inc. (AICE). More information is available at the Department of Human Resources - Accredited College Education Resource Guide.

Under Option 2:

A copy of your FYLSX exam results letter from The State Bar of California at the time of filing or within seven (7) calendar days from the date of applying. Submit your documentation to [e-mail] and indicate the exam name and number in the subject field of your email.
If you do not provide the required documentation within the specified time frame your application may be rejected.

**FYLSX or "baby bar" is designed and required for Law students after completing their first year of law study in a juris doctor degree program at a State Bar-unaccredited registered law school or through the Law Office Study Program, or those without two years of college work attending a California-accredited or an ABA-approved law school. More information is available at The State Bar of California website or the Admissions and Education Standards Rule 4.25 - 4.31.

PHYSICAL CLASS II - LIGHT

This job requires light physical effort which may include occasional light lifting to a 10-pound limit, and some bending, stooping, or squatting. Considerable ambulation may be involved.

LICENSE

A valid California Class "C" Driver License or the ability to utilize an alternative method of transportation when needed to carry out job-related essential functions.

VACANCY INFORMATION

Applicants under this Emergency Appointment recruitment effort will be appointed to fill vacancies within the Los Angeles County Office of the Public Defender.

APPLICATION & FILING INFORMATION

• APPLICATIONS MUST BE FILED ONLINE ONLY. Applications submitted by U.S. Mail, Fax, or in person will not be accepted.
• Apply online by clicking on the green "Apply" button for this posting. Please review your application for accuracy before submitting it. You can also track the status of your application by visiting Governmentjobs.com and logging into your account.
• Many important notifications such as application notices and appointment (job offer) letters will be sent electronically to the email address provided on your application. It is your responsibility to provide a valid email address and review all notifications sent to you. Please add [e-mail], [e-mail], [e-mail], and [e-mail] to your email address book and list of approved senders to prevent email notifications from being filtered or blocked as spam/junk/clutter mail.

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