What are the responsibilities and job description for the SENIOR LAW CLERK position at County of Los Angeles?
EXAM NUMBER:
L9243F
TYPE OF RECRUITMENT:
We encourage applications from anyone.
FILING DATES:
The application filing period will begin on Wednesday, June 17, 2026, at 8:00 a.m. (PT) — Continuous. We will keep accepting applications until the positions are filled. The application window may close unexpectedly once we have enough qualified candidates.
WHO WE ARE:
The criminal defense team at Los Angeles County’s Public Defender is the finest client-centered team in the nation. Our Office serves as a beacon for both evolutionary and groundbreaking changes in the justice system. Our offices are led by innovative and dynamic leaders working collaboratively towards our agency’s mission of reducing the incarceration rate for our indigent clientele.
POSITION INFORMATION:
The Senior Law Clerk (SLC) Program is used by Los Angeles County Public Defender's office as a recruitment pipeline for the Deputy Public Defender I (DPD I) position. The program introduces select law graduates to the operations of the office, the court system, and related agencies within the criminal justice system.
During the 16-week training program, SLCs gain practical experience through specialized unit assignments, courtroom proceedings, and case-related work. Under the supervision of experienced attorneys, SLCs develop legal, advocacy, case management, and professional skills while making on-the-record court appearances and participating in a variety of training activities.
The Senior Law Clerk (SLC) Program is used by Los Angeles County Public Defender's office as a recruitment pipeline for the Deputy Public Defender I (DPD I) position. The program introduces select law graduates to the operations of the office, the court system, and related agencies within the criminal justice system.
During the 16-week training program, SLCs gain practical experience through specialized unit assignments, courtroom proceedings, and case-related work. Under the supervision of experienced attorneys, SLCs develop legal, advocacy, case management, and professional skills while making on-the-record court appearances and participating in a variety of training activities.
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS INCLUDE BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO THE FOLLOWING:
- Conducts legal research and prepare legal documents by reviewing case law, statutes, and legal precedent; analyzes legal documents to prepare research memorandums and summaries in support of the effective representation of clients. Prepares written reports, drafts points and authorities, and legal memorandums.
- Assists the primary or overseeing attorney in reviewing and preparing legal documents, reports, and discovery used in court for mitigation, trial, or hearings. Reviews existing or drafted documents to ensure accuracy, report inconsistencies, or recommend revisions for the attorney. Attends court sessions to document proceedings. Coordinates with support staff the preparation and documentation of cases.
- Conducts preliminary client interviews to acquire factual, biographical, and financial information. Brings together relevant information for litigation or mitigation, such as witness statements, court documents, transcripts, and police reports. Reports findings and recommendations to the attorney in charge. Under the mentorship and/or judgment of the attorney coordinating the case, may schedule and prepare clients and witnesses for court appearances, hearings, or trials. May provide clients with summary of reports and/or discovery.
- Engages in training by attending law clerk and attorney development sessions to improve practical skills and courtroom presentation techniques. Gains proficiency in internal policies, procedures, and client case management systems and databases to prepare effectively for defense trial practice.
- Performs clerical and computer data input related to case management, such as coordinating extensive discovery, reports, and potential case exhibits; verifies that all files, complaints, or other papers are available and in order. Performs clerical duties, as needed, related to the maintenance of the departmental case management database. Makes appearances on the record in limited matters, such as preliminary hearings, as needed.
- Makes appearances on the record in limited matters, such as preliminary hearings, other contested matters where witnesses are questioned, and uncontested matters at the direction or discretion of the supervising attorney.
REQUIREMENTS TO QUALIFY:
- Have a Juris Doctor (JD) degree from an approved or accredited law school*, AND
- Be registered to take the first available bar following your law school graduation date.
For Application Filing Tips and Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) click here.
To show that you meet the requirements above, it will be necessary to provide the following:
- Submit a diploma or transcripts, official or unofficial. Include proof of registration for the first available California Bar Examination following graduation. Examples of proof are a confirmation email, application receipt, or other documentation from the State Bar of California. Submit the requested documentations at filing or within ten (10) business days of submitting your online application.
- These records need to show the JD degree conferral date and confirm their registration for the Bar Exam or equivalent experience. When submitting proof of registration and approval, please log in to the Applicant Portal on the California Bar website and provide a screenshot of the detailed page containing your Application Information and Examination Event Information or a copy of your Admittance Ticket.
- For additional information regarding acceptable educational documentation, law school accreditation requirements, and proof of enrollment or degree completion, click here.
- We do not accept password-protected documents. Ensure documents are unlocked before attaching to your application or sending to the exam analyst.
Candidates who complete the examination process but do not submit the required diploma and/or transcripts within ten (10) business days of filing their online application will be disqualified. However, they may reapply once all examination requirements have been met.
PROVISIONAL LICENSEES ARE NOT ELIGIBLE TO TAKE PART IN THIS EXAMINATION.
To participate in the SLC Program, candidates must be eligible for certification through the California State Bar (Bar) Practical Training of Law Students (PTLS) Program as a post-graduate applicant at the time of appointment and must obtain PTLS certification upon entering the SLC Program.
Additional information on the PTLS program can be found at Practical Training of Law Students -State Bar of California.
DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS:
Successful completion of law school coursework in Moot Court, Trial Advocacy, or other litigation focused programs.
Experience providing legal services, advocacy, or support to justice system involved individuals. This includes criminal defendants, incarcerated individuals, and those involved in juvenile or criminal legal systems.
Experience providing legal services, legal advocacy, or legal support to vulnerable populations, including individuals experiencing homelessness, mental illness, substance use disorders, disabilities, domestic violence, or other social and economic hardships.
Experience conducting legal research, preparing legal memoranda, drafting legal documents, or performing legal writing assignments.
Experience gained through law school clinics, internships, externships, volunteer legal programs, public interest organizations, public defender offices, legal aid organizations, or other legal practice settings.
PHYSICAL CLASS 2 - LIGHT:
This class includes administrative and clerical positions requiring light physical effort that may include occasional light lifting to a 10-pound limit and some bending, stooping, or squatting. Considerable ambulation may be involved.
This class includes administrative and clerical positions requiring light physical effort that 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 use an alternative method of transportation when needed to carry out job-related essential functions.
WITHHOLD:
No withhold will be allowed. Required experience/education must be fully met at the time of filing, and clearly indicated on the application.
EXAMINATION CONTENT:
Training & Experience (T&E) Evaluation: This assessment evaluates education and training from the Los Angeles County Online Employment Application form. It also considers the Supplemental Questionnaire and other required supporting documents submitted at filing or within ten (10) business days of submitting your online application. This part of the assessment is worth 100% of your total score. Applicants must receive a passing score of 70% or higher on the assessment to be added to the list.
VACANCY INFORMATION:
The resulting eligible list for this examination will be used to fill vacancies in the Los Angeles County Public Defender's Office.
ELIGIBILITY INFORMATION:
Applicants who passed the assessment(s) are placed on a list in the order of their score group for a period of six (6) months. Applicants will be processed as they are received and added to the list accordingly. Passing this examination and being placed on the eligible list does not guarantee an offer of employment. No person may compete for this examination more than once every six (6) months.
APPLICATION AND FILING INFORMATION:
We only accept applications filed online. We must receive your application and additional documents at the time of filing. Applications submitted by U.S. mail, fax, or in person are not accepted. Apply online by clicking on the "Apply" green button at the top right of this posting. This website can also be used to get application status updates.
Please fill out the application completely. Provide relevant job experience including employer's name and address, job title, beginning and ending dates, number of hours worked per week, and description of work performed. We may verify information included in the application at any point during the examination and hiring process, including after an appointment has been made.
Falsification of information could result in refusal of application or rescission of appointment. Copying verbiage from the Requirements or class specification as your work experience will not be sufficient to demonstrate meeting the requirements. Doing so may result in an incomplete application and may lead to disqualification.
Please fill out the application completely. Provide relevant job experience including employer's name and address, job title, beginning and ending dates, number of hours worked per week, and description of work performed. We may verify information included in the application at any point during the examination and hiring process, including after an appointment has been made.
Falsification of information could result in refusal of application or rescission of appointment. Copying verbiage from the Requirements or class specification as your work experience will not be sufficient to demonstrate meeting the requirements. Doing so may result in an incomplete application and may lead to disqualification.
Note: If you are unable to attach required documents, you may fax them to (213) 633-5032 or email them to Exams@pubdef.lacounty.gov within ten (10) business days of submitting your online application or by 5 p.m., PST, on the last day of filing, whichever comes first. Be sure to include the exam number and exam title in the subject line.
We will send notifications to the email address provided on the application, so it is important that you provide a valid email address. If you choose to unsubscribe or opt out from receiving our emails, it is possible to view notices by logging into governmentjobs.com and checking the profile inbox. It is every applicant's responsibility to take steps to view correspondence, and we will not consider claims of missing notices to be a valid reason for re-scheduling an exam part. Register the below domains as approved senders to prevent email notifications from being filtered as spam/junk mail.
• mherrera@pubdef.lacounty.gov
• Exams@pubdef.lacounty.gov
• Personnel@pubdef.lacounty.gov
• noreply@governmentjobs.com
• info@governmentjobs.com
New email addresses need to be verified. This only needs to be done once per email address and can be done at any time by logging in to governmentjobs.com and following the prompts. This is to improve the security of the online application and to prevent incorrectly entered email addresses.
SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER:
Federal law requires that all employed persons have a Social Security Number, so include yours when applying.
COMPUTER AND INTERNET ACCESS AT PUBLIC LIBRARIES:
Candidates who may not regularly access a computer or internet can complete applications on public library computers. These libraries are found throughout the greater Los Angeles area.
NO SHARING OF USER ID, E-MAIL AND PASSWORD:
All applicants must file their application online using their own user ID and password. Using a family member or friend's user ID and password may erase a candidate's original application record.
TESTING ACCOMMODATION INFORMATION AND COORDINATOR CONTACT INFORMATION:
If you need an accommodation to fairly compete in any part of the assessment process, you can request one when completing your application. Please note, you may be required to submit documentation from a qualified medical provider or other qualified professional to support your request for a testing accommodation.
Department Contact Name: Minoja Herrera
Department Contact Phone: (213) 460-8075
Department Contact Email: Exams@pubdef.lacounty.gov
California Relay Service Phone: (800) 735-2922
Teletype Phone: (800) 899-4099