Appellate Law Clerk

*** You must apply directly at calcareers.ca.gov and submit all required documents as part of the application package to be considered. The job control number is JC-523619. ***

Job Description and Duties

The Office of the State Public Defender (OSPD) has two statutory mandates: representing indigent people on death row in their direct appeals before the California Supreme Court and enhancing the quality and capacity of public defense systems across California. Despite the current execution moratorium, California maintains the largest death row in the Western Hemisphere. To advance the development of the law and improve conditions for our direct representation of indigent people on death row, OSPD also engages in select non-capital appellate representation and amicus work in courts across California.

OSPD provides cutting-edge legal services to indigent people convicted of non-capital and capital offenses who appeal their convictions to the California Courts of Appeal and Supreme Court. We are looking to train the next generation of appellate defenders on everything from capital case procedure to how to litigate the Racial Justice Act. 

As a Summer Appellate Law Clerk with the OSPD Appellate Division, you will become a stronger writer and sharper legal researcher. You will come away with an understanding of what a career in appellate criminal defense entails and a writing sample that will help you open doors. Most importantly, you will be making a difference in the lives of people who need your help.

You will find additional information about the job in the Duty Statement.

Working Conditions

OSPD has two regional offices located in Oakland and Sacramento.

• The Oakland office is located downtown in a modern high-rise building near the 19th Street BART station, not to mention a variety of delicious restaurants.
• The Sacramento office is located downtown in a modern high-rise building near SacRT Light Rail stations, Downtown Commons, and plenty of shopping.

OSPD permits hybrid telework in accordance with government code 14200 for eligible applicants residing in California. During the onboarding and training week, you will be required to report in person to either the OSPD Oakland office or an off-site training location. After the initial training and onboarding week, GSA’s may have either a full-time telework schedule from anywhere in the state, a full-time in-office schedule, or a hybrid schedule, to be agreed upon with their supervisor. Business travel reimbursements consider an employee's designated Headquarters Location, primary residence. The policy may be subject to change by the Department of Human Resources (CalHR). All commute expenses to headquatered location will be the responsibility of the selected candidate.

The position may require traveling to clients, conferences, meetings, and training events up to 10% of the time and includes occasional overnight travel, up to a week. Travel is primarily by automobile but also includes occasional train, airplane, or public transportation.

Special Requirements

Registration as a graduate student in law at a college or university of recognized standing. (Persons appointed during the summer months must produce evidence of eligibility for such registration in the following enrollment period.)

Required Application Package Documents

The following items are required to be submitted with your application. Applicants who do not submit the required items timely may not be considered for this job:

• Current version of the State Examination/Employment Application STD Form 678 (when not applying electronically), or the Electronic State Employment Application through your Applicant Account at www.CalCareers.ca.gov. All Experience and Education relating to the Minimum Qualifications listed on the Classification Specification should be included to demonstrate how you meet the Minimum Qualifications for the position.
• Resume is required and must be included.
• Other - Cover Letter
• Other - Two Professional References
• Other - Education Documents - Law School Transcripts: Official and Non-Official transcripts will be accepted; however, a person(s) appointed for the summer months must produce evidence of enrollment in the fall term and a copy of their official college/university transcripts.
• Other - Legal Writing Sample - Please see "Legal Writing Sample" section for instructions. 

Applicants requiring reasonable accommodations for the hiring interview process must request the necessary accommodations if scheduled for a hiring interview. The request should be made at the time of contact to schedule the interview. Questions regarding reasonable accommodations may be directed to the EEO contact listed on this job posting.

Desirable Qualifications

In addition to evaluating each candidate's relative ability, as demonstrated by quality and breadth of experience, the following factors will provide the basis for competitively evaluating each candidate:

• Coursework or experience in: Criminal Law, Criminal Procedure, Constitutional Law, Evidence, and/or The Racial Justice Act.
• Experience working with system-impacted people and/or indigent individuals.
• Ability to work independently with supervision, and in a team environment.
• Ability to develop and maintain good working relations with all levels of staff.
• Ability to maintain security and confidentiality of privileged information in compliance with applicable laws.
• Knowledge of computer programs such as Word, other Microsoft Office applications, Adobe, and Westlaw and the ability to use such programs efficiently and effectively.
• Knowledge of legal research and writing principles.
• Ability to meet scheduled and last-minute deadlines.
• Ability to problem-solve and manage time effectively.
• Ability to meet scheduled and last-minute deadlines.
• Demonstrated ability to act independently and to use good judgment.
• Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.

Legal Writing Sample

A legal writing sample is required. A writing sample that includes substantive legal analysis and reflects your ability to write as an advocate is preferred. If you do not have such a sample, please submit one that best reflects your ability to write and engage in legal analysis. Your sample should be no longer than 10 pages single-spaced or 20 pages double spaced with 12 pt font. Please include a cover page (which does not count toward the page limit) with your writing sample explaining the circumstances under which it was written and the extent to which it reflects independent or edited work. The writing in your sample should be your own and not be generated using artificial intelligence (AI). If any aspect of your writing sample is the result of AI (research, citations, or writing), please identify and explain the extent of AI use in your cover page.

*** Applicants who fail to submit a complete application package, including the required writing sample, will NOT be considered. ***

Equal Opportunity Employer

The State of California is an equal opportunity employer to all, regardless of age, ancestry, color, disability (mental and physical), exercising the right to family care and medical leave, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, military or veteran status, national origin, political affiliation, race, religious creed, sex (includes pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding and related medical conditions), and sexual orientation.

It is an objective of the State of California to achieve a drug-free work place. Any applicant for state employment will be expected to behave in accordance with this objective because the use of illegal drugs is inconsistent with the law of the State, the rules governing Civil Service, and the special trust placed in public servants.

*** You must apply directly at calcareers.ca.gov and submit all required documents as part of the application package to be considered. The job control number is JC-523619. ***