Description:
About the Position:The Law Clerk position provides first and second-year law students the opportunity to work alongside attorneys and legal assistants who represent clients in their parole hearings, as well as engage in legal research and writing projects. Law Clerks will also have the opportunity to learn about the discretionary parole process, California prisons, and the life cycle of individual journeys through incarceration and release.
The Law Clerk position is part-time (16-20 hours/week) over the quarter or semester calendar (at least 8 weeks). This position is unpaid and we support candidates to seek school credit, outside funding, and / or fellowship opportunities.
Examples of Duties and Responsibilities:
- Direct attorney support: Drafting follow-up communications and/or consultations to clients; providing feedback on client writings; supporting attorneys in the preparation of and attendance at legal phone calls; assembling Parole Packets to submit to the Board of Parole Hearings
- Research & writing: Researching and writing memos about legal issues impacting clients or related policy; reviewing case records and prison files; compiling housing, employment, and other support resources for incarcerated clients; drafting habeas petitions
- Communications: Responding to non-client mail
- Information management: Updating contact records and maintaining our legal database
Abilities and Attributes
- Compassion for incarcerated people and their family members, and a demonstrated interest in criminal justice reform
- Ability to handle multiple projects simultaneously
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- A professional demeanor and pleasant disposition
- Exceptional organizational skills and attention to detail
- Sensitivity to confidential matters
- A working proficiency in Microsoft Word and Excel, Google Suite, and CRM software (strongly preferred)