Law Clerk

The District Attorney's Office is currently seeking entry level professional candidates who have graduated or are currently enrolled in an accredited law school with two years full-time study completed and looking to take the State Bar Examination. Future vacancies throughout the County for this position may be filled from the eligible list to be established. The typical life of a list is six months.

Distinguishing CharacteristicsThis is a single entry-level professional classification that provides for the employment of law students who have graduated from an accredited law school or who are currently enrolled in an accredited law school and have completed two years of full-time study or the equivalent. Incumbents will not be permitted to perform duties constituting practice of law until California Bar membership has been obtained and are expected to pass the bar and promote to an attorney-level position upon graduation.

Management reserves the right to add, modify, change, or rescind the work assignments of different positions and to make reasonable accommodations so that qualified employees can perform the essential functions of the job.

• Performs legal research and assists with the preparation of trial briefs and legal memoranda by collecting data on legal precedents and statutory authority applicable to current cases.
• Prepares motions and pleadings on calendar to expedite court calendars and hearing dates.
• Reviews case files, organizes reports, prepares witness lists, and prepares summary sheets for reports and evidence.
• Summarizes records, depositions, background information, and other legal documents regarding contacts with witnesses, victims, experts, clients and third parties for use by attorneys and for file documentation.
• Creates and maintains documents related to cases and other legal matters, trial notebooks, indices, and files.
• Assists attorneys with trial preparation including, but not limited to, drafting jury instructions, witness and exhibit lists, expert witness disclosure demands and responses, prepares subpoenas, conducts privilege reviews, and assists at depositions, hearings, and trials, and document reviews.
• Interviews and advises victims and witnesses in regard to prospective criminal complaints.
• Assists investigators in securing and verifying evidence, records, and reports.
• Reviews complaints and law enforcement agency reports or records.
• Confers regularly with investigators regarding the collection of facts.
• May conduct hearings and trials in court, under supervision of a licensed attorney, as a certified law clerk as allowed by the California State Bar.
• Performs other duties as assigned.
  
  

Any combination of training and experience that would provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required qualifications would be:

Education

• Graduation from accredited law school and eligibility to take the California State Bar Examination, OR
• Current enrollment in an accredited law school and completion of two (2) years of full-time study or equivalent.
  
  

Experience:

• None required.
  
  

Licenses:

• Possession of a valid California driver's license issued by the Department of Motor Vehicles at the time of appointment.
  
  

Certifications:

• Possession of, or ability to obtain, an active membership in good standing with the State Bar of California. (Note: Incumbents who are unable to obtain an active membership in good standing with the State Bar of California within one (1) year of hire date may be separated from employment.)
  
  

Special Requirements:Qualify for security clearance through a background investigation and fingerprint check; ability to travel within and outside the County. Law Clerks are prohibited by Court policy from practicing law, receiving fees, and appearing in court representing another party as counsel during their employment by the County as a Law Clerk.

Environmental Conditions:Employees work in an office and court environment with moderate noise levels, controlled temperature conditions, and no direct exposure to hazardous physical substances. Employees may interact with upset staff and/or public and private representatives in interpreting and enforcing departmental or court policies and procedures, or the law.

For a detailed job specification click on the following link:

Law Clerk

All completed applications and supplemental questionnaires will be reviewed. Depending upon the number of applicants who meet the minimum qualifications, the examination process may include a screening committee (pass/fail) and/or a written examination (pass/fail) and/or an oral examination (100%) which may include a written practical component to determine placement on the eligible list. Note: The top 40 written test scoring applicants with passing scores will be invited to participate in the oral examination interview process.

VETERAN'S PREFERENCE AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST

Veteran's Preference Application

You must submit a certified DD-214 and a new request form for each application submission prior to the closing date.