INTERNSHIP
The APD Law Clerk Program introduces selected law students to the real-life experience of what it means to be a public defender. Law clerks will be assigned various projects and work closely with the assigned attorney. Each clerk will have direct client contact, conduct discovery review and organization, research and draft memorandums and motions, and certified law students will make appearances on the record. Law students are mentored by experienced APD attorneys, will participate in a mock trial competition, learn the art storytelling, engage in a team project, produce a writing sample, and receive one-on-one career guidance counseling.
DATES
Fall and Spring Law Clerk positions will last approximately 12 weeks and will be part-time requiring a minimum of sixteen hours a week. The Fall program begins August 25 and ends November 15. The Spring program begins on January 13th, 2025, and ends on April 4, 2025. The Summer law clerk position is a full-time, 40 hours a week, clerkship lasting approximately 10 weeks beginning on May 27th, 2025.
APPLICATION PROCESS
APD Law Clerk Program
Our law clerk volunteer program is small and highly competitive. We only accept Law Clerk Applications from October 1st through March 31st (or until positions are filled). During this period, we interview candidates for our Summer, Fall and Spring Law Clerk Programs.
We are looking for a diverse group of law students in good academic standing who are highly motivated, demonstrate a strong work ethic and can maintain the highest ethical standards of confidentiality with respect to case details and conversations. Candidates must understand the mission and objective of the Alternate Public Defender to provide the highest quality defense to each appointed client and exhibit a strong background in service to their community.
All inquiries and communications should be directed to lawclerkinfo@apd.lacounty.gov.
We begin accepting applications on October 1st. Interested applicants should email A SINGLE PDF with their cover letter and resume. Please title your PDF with your last name, followed by first name and name of law school.
Post-Bar Law Clerk Positions
Law school graduates who are awaiting bar results are eligible for Post-Bar Senior Law Clerk positions. This is a full-time (40 hours per week) program offered in the Fall. These are paid positions, and applicants must apply through the Los Angeles County Department of Human Resources. For additional information about Post-Bar Senior Law Clerk positions, please email lawclerkinfo@apd.lacounty.gov.
DATES
Fall and Spring Law Clerk positions will last approximately 12 weeks and will be part-time requiring a minimum of sixteen hours a week. The Fall program begins August 25 and ends November 15. The Spring program begins on January 13th, 2025, and ends on April 4, 2025. The Summer law clerk position is a full-time, 40 hours a week, clerkship lasting approximately 10 weeks beginning on May 27th, 2025.
APPLICATION PROCESS
Our program is small and highly competitive. Applications are accepted from October 1 through March 31 (or until positions are filled). During this period, we interview candidates for our Summer, Fall, and Spring Law Clerk Programs.
We seek a diverse group of law students in good academic standing who are highly motivated, demonstrate a strong work ethic, and can maintain the highest ethical standards of confidentiality with respect to case details and conversations. Candidates should understand the mission of the Alternate Public Defender — to provide the highest quality defense to each appointed client — and exhibit a strong background of service to their community.
Interested applicants should submit one PDF containing both their cover letter and résumé. Please title your file: LastName_FirstName_LawSchool. All inquiries and application materials should be directed to lawclerkinfo@apd.lacounty.gov.