Trial Unit Law Clerk - Riverside Job at Federal Public Defender, Central District of California, Riverside, CA

c0FqNjVROURPbWtSYk00aXV1QTI3dVNNNVE9PQ==
  • Federal Public Defender, Central District of California
  • Riverside, CA

Job Description

The Federal Public Defender’s Office for the Central District of California (FPD-CDCA) offers an intense and rewarding experience to law students and recent post-bar graduates who wish to volunteer in an office dedicated to the zealous defense of the indigent accused.  Through our program, law clerks assist trial lawyers in all aspects of our work, including performing legal research, drafting pleadings, analyzing discovery, assisting with trial preparation, visiting clients and helping to develop sentencing mitigation.  We offer a robust, formal training program as well as an informal training resulting from working closely with trial attorneys on case-specific projects.

We are currently only accepting law student applications for Summer 2026.

Time Commitment

During the summer, law clerks agree to volunteer 40 hours a week.  During the school year, law clerks agree to volunteer anywhere from 15 hours to 40 hours a week.

Qualifications

Applicants to the program must be attending, or have recently graduated from, an accredited law school.  The program seeks applicants with strong written and oral communication skills and a demonstrated interest in indigent defense.

Obtaining School Credit

Many law school programs will award academic credit to participants in the law clerk program.  The requirements and procedures vary depending upon the specific school’s guidelines.   The law clerk is responsible for coordinating between their school and our office to assure that all relevant paperwork is completed and that all credit requirements are met.

How to Apply

Submit a cover letter, resume, and writing sample by email to the Trial Law Clerk Program 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.

For the semester program: Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.  Again, we recommend that you submit your materials as early as possible.

In addition to accepting applications sent directly to our office, representatives from our office also attend several career fairs, such as the fairs sponsored by Equal Justice Works, Public Interest Legal Career Fair at NYU, Annual Northern California Public Interest/Public Sector Legal Careers Day, and the Annual Southern California Public Interest/Public Sector Career Day.

 

The Federal Public Defender’s Office for the Central District of California is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All applicants, regardless of race, ethnicity, national origin, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, disability, or age, are encouraged to apply.

Job Tags

Summer work, Internship, Work at office,

Similar Jobs

CRH

Intern - Mining Engineer Job at CRH

 ...structure, letting you work in a small company environment while having the career opportunities of a large enterprise. Engineering Department Summer Internship The Shelly Company Actual duties and functions may vary depending on the interests of the intern... 

C&S Wholesale Grocers

Accounting & Finance Intern - Fall 2025 Job at C&S Wholesale Grocers

 ...to help feed local families, neighbors, and communities. As an Intern at C&S, you will have the unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience...  ..., HR etc. that interact with your designated area of Finance Gain vital experience in professional development within a corporate... 

Tekshapers Inc

Salesforce Developer Job at Tekshapers Inc

 ...Employment type W2 Job Title Salesforce Developer Job Location New Jersey / Remote Duration 12+ Months Experience level - Min. 10 Years Top Skills & Years of Experience: ~6+ years of development/testing experience using Salesforce... 

Heritage Grand Bakery

Pastry Sous Chef Job at Heritage Grand Bakery

 ...training you. Qualifications To perform this job successfully, the pastry sous chef must have a passion for creating delicious food, building high performing teams, and delivering hospitality: ~ Passion for pastry arts and seasonality ~ Experience with puff... 

Wells Fargo

2026 Investment Banking Summer Associate Program (California) - Early Careers Job at Wells Fargo

2026 Investment Banking Summer AssociateWells Fargo Corporate & Investment Banking delivers a comprehensive suite of capital markets, banking, and financial products and services to over 12,000 clients around the world, including over 90% of the S&P 500.A trusted partner...