Description:
Salary Information$28.80 Approximate Hourly
Extra Help Positions Are Hourly Employees that May Work up To 900 Hours in A Fiscal Year (july 1-June 30). Benefits Are Not Included.
About Shasta County
Shasta County Offers All of The Amenities of The Big City While Retaining a Comfortable Small-Town Atmosphere. with Its Natural Beauty, Affordable Housing, Excellent Educational System, Abundance of Recreational Opportunities, and Excellent Quality of Life, Shasta County Is a Great Place to Live, Work, and Raise a Family.
About the Department
For Over 20 Years the Shasta County Public Defender's Office Has Provided Representation to Those Who Are Unable to Afford an Attorney. Our Mission Is to Provide Compassionate, Holistic Defense to Those in Need, Ensuring that Every Client Receives Comprehensive Legal Representation Tailored to Their Unique Experiences, Goals, and Needs. We Are Dedicated to Providing Zealous, Ethical, Effective Advocacy While Protecting the Dignity, Rights, and Humanity of Each Person We Represent.
We Serve Diverse Communities, Including Those Most Marginalized in Our Society, with Unwavering Commitment to Justice. Each Year, Our Office Represents Hundreds of Indigent Defendants Charged with Misdemeanor, Felony, and Juvenile Offenses. We Also Handle an Array of Civil Matters Including Probate and Lps Conservatorship Matters. Our Role Is to Protect the Constitutional Rights of Justice-Involved Individuals and To Hold the Government Accountable, Ensuring that Fairness and Due Process Are Upheld in Every Case.
We Foster a Supportive and Empowering Environment Where Our Attorneys and Staff Are Encouraged to Grow Both Professionally and Personally. by Investing in Our Team's Well-Being and Development, We Create a Culture of Excellence, Advocacy, and Integrity. We Are Committed to Building a Sustainable Criminal Defense Practice that Serves Our Clients and Our Community for Generations to Come.
About the Position:
The Shasta County Public Defender's Office Is Now Accepting Applications for Post-Bar Certified Law Clerks to Join Our Team for An Immersive, Hands-On Legal Training Experience in Public Defense. This Limited-Term Position Is Intended for Individuals Sitting for The July 2026 California Bar Exam Who Are Eligible for Certification Under the State Bar's Practical Training of Law Students (ptls) Program.
Under the Supervision of Experienced Deputy Public Defenders, Selected Candidates Will:
- Make Court Appearances,
- Prepare and Argue Motions,
- Interview and Advise Clients,
- Assist in Case Preparation and Investigation,
- And May Assist in Conducting a Jury Trial.
This Is a Rare Opportunity to Gain Real-World Courtroom and Client Experience While Serving Indigent Individuals Accused of Crimes. Our Office Provides Comprehensive Mentorship and Exposure to Misdemeanor and Felony Practice, with A Strong Focus on Ethical Advocacy, Litigation Skills, and Client-Centered Representation.
This Program Offers a Unique Opportunity to Develop Litigation and Advocacy Skills While Serving Indigent Clients and Working Alongside a Team of Dedicated Public Defenders. Law Clerks Will Receive In-Depth Training Across All Areas of Criminal Defense and Courtroom Practice.
Positions Available:
We Are Hiring for Two Distinct Law Clerk Assignments:
Misdemeanor Assignment: The Selected Clerk Will Manage All Aspects of Misdemeanor Practice, Including Arraignments, Pretrial Hearings, Motion Work, and Trials. This Assignment Provides Significant Courtroom Exposure and Direct Client Interaction, Offering a Strong Foundation in Criminal Defense.
Research and Motion Assignment: Clerk Will Assist with Drafting and Arguing Motions on Misdemeanor and Felony Cases Including, but Not Limited To:
- Applications for Mental Health Diversion (pen. Code 1001.36)
- Applications for Veteran's Diversion, Dual-Agency Diversion, Diversion Under Penal Code 1001.95, Etc.
- Motions to Dismiss (pen. Code 995)
- Motion to Suppress Evidence (pen. Code 1538.5)
- Motions in Limine
Program Duration: This Is an Extra Help Position that Will Begin in August and Last until Bar Results Are Released. if The Individual Passes the Bar, They May Be Eligible to Apply for A Full-Time Deputy Public Defender Position. if They Do Not Pass, Employment Will Conclude upon Release of Results.
Qualifications:
- Sitting for The July 2025 California Bar Exam
- Eligible for State Bar Ptls Certification
- Demonstrated Interest in Public Service, Trial Advocacy, or Mental Health/dependency Law
- Strong Research, Writing, and Courtroom Communication Skills
Why Shasta County?
Located in Scenic Northern California, Shasta County Offers Stunning Landscapes and Outdoor Adventures, Including Whiskeytown National Recreation Area, Shasta Lake, Burney Falls, and Nearby Lassen Volcanic National Park. Gaining Invaluable Courtroom Experience While Serving a Community in Need.
Apply Now:
If You're Seeking a Post-Bar Opportunity that Combines Courtroom Advocacy, Mentorship, and The Chance to Serve Underserved Populations—whether in Criminal Defense or Mental Health and Dependency Matters—we Encourage You to Apply to The Shasta County Public Defender's Office.
Extra Help Positions Are Hourly, At-Will Employees that May Work up To 900 Hours in A Fiscal Year (july 1-June 30). Benefits Are Not Included.
Ideal Candidate:
The Ideal Candidate for The Post-Bar Certified Law Clerk Position at The Shasta County Public Defender's Office Is a Recent Law School Graduate Who Is Sitting for The July 2026 California Bar Exam and Is Eligible for Certification Under the State Bar's Practical Training of Law Students (ptls) Program. They Are Deeply Committed to Public Service and Dedicated to Defending the Rights of Indigent Individuals Facing Criminal or Civil Confinement. They Possess Strong Research, Writing, and Oral Advocacy Skills, as Well as A Demonstrated Ability to Work Compassionately and Effectively with Vulnerable Populations. the Ideal Candidate Is Eager to Gain Hands-On Courtroom Experience, Receptive to Feedback, and Motivated to Grow Through Mentorship and Practical Training. They Show Sound Judgment, Professionalism, and Integrity in All Aspects of Client Representation.
Candidates Applying for The Misdemeanor Assignment Should Have a Strong Interest in Criminal Defense, Client-Centered Representation, and Trial Advocacy. Successful Candidates Will Be Eager to Develop Courtroom Litigation Skills, Manage an Active Caseload, and Advocate Effectively for Clients at All Stages of The Criminal Process. Candidates Applying for The Research and Motion Clerk Assignment Should Possess Strong Legal Research and Writing Skills and An Interest in Criminal Law and Constitutional Litigation. Successful Candidates Will Assist Attorneys with Complex Legal Research, Drafting Motions, Writs, Appellate Briefs, and Other Pleadings, While Developing Expertise in Criminal Procedure, Evidence, Sentencing, and Post-Conviction Litigation.
Regardless of Assignment, the Ideal Candidate Is a Team Player Who Thrives in A Fast-Paced Environment and Is Committed to Pursuing Justice, Equity, and Dignity for All Clients.
Distinguishing Characteristics
This Classification Is an Unclassified, At-Will, Extra Help Classification. Extra Help Positions Are Limited in That They May Work up To 900 Hours in A Fiscal Year (july 1-June 30). Benefits Are Not Included. the Number of Hours Worked per Week May Vary and Depend on The Needs of The Department.
The Law Clerk Position Is Distinguished from The Paralegal, Legal Secretary and Other Legal Classifications in That It Is Designed to Be Filled by Individuals Who Are Eligible for Certification as A Registered Law Student as Defined by The Board of Trustees of The State Bar And/or Are Awaiting Bar Exam Results. the Position Will Provide Direct Exposure to Courtroom Proceedings, Client Advocacy, Trial Preparation, and Will Prepare Legal Documents and Research Under the Mentorship of Experienced Attorneys.
Examples of Essential Duties
Duties May Include, but Are Not Limited To, the Following:
- 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; 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; Conducts Client and Witness Interviews; Drafts Ordinances, Resolutions, and Other Legal Measures and Submits to A Supervising Attorney for Review and Discussion as Appropriate; 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; Reviews Complaints and
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