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  • LAW CLERK-EMERGENCY APPOINTMENT/HOMELESS INITIATIVE

    Los Angeles, California United States LOS ANGELES COUNTY Full Time $23.74 Hourly May 19, 2025
    Los Angeles County Employer:

    LOS ANGELES COUNTY

    Start Your Career with Los Angeles County With a population of more than 10 million people and 88 cities, Los Angeles County has more residents than any county in the nation.  With more than 10 million residents, Los Angeles County is the most populous county in the nation. As the largest employer in Southern California, over 100,000 employees in more than 36 Departments provide vital public services as diverse as law enforcement, property assessment, public health protection, water conservation, cultural activities and many more. As one of the Top 10 Government Services Employers, as named by Forbes Magazine, the County of Los Angeles provides those committed to a career in public service with boundless opportunities, a platform for professional and personal growth and the ability to truly make a difference in people's lives. A career with the County means you will have the chance to be a part of building and providing services for an amazingly diverse population of citizens. From helping families in need to fighting fires to keeping our beaches clean, the County of Los Angeles provides an environment where you can touch and enrich lives everyday. A career path in the County is truly that – a path. Many of those in our County family begin and end their careers here in two very different places. You may start out as an Administrative Assistant in Public Works and find yourself a few years later as a Manager in the Department of Community and Senior Services. While many County employees remain on the same career path in one department for their entire careers, others move between departments or take advantage of training and other opportunities to find new careers within the County. The path you take is up to you. As a Los Angeles County employee, the opportunities – and the possibilities - are limitless. Flexible Work Schedules Depending on the requirements of their department and position, some employees may have the option to craft a work schedule that accomplishes their mission, while providing flexibility, including 4/40 workweeks and other options. Your Choice of Locations From the harbor at Marina del Rey to the forests of the Antelope Valley, big cities, small municipalities and rural communities – there are opportunities to work for the County wherever you roam and wherever you call home. Job Security The County of Los Angeles is committed to providing our permanent employees with long-term employment and dependable benefits. It's a lasting career with an employer who is committed to your success. Career Development The County encourages all employees to take advantage of the many training and development opportunities available. Outstanding Benefits The County offers its employees one of the strongest public-sector benefits packages in the nation. Diversity Integrity and respect lie at the heart of our Equity Policy and reflect our Mission, Vision, and Values.      

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    Job Description

    Position/Program Information

    Law Office of the Los Angeles County

    PUBLIC DEFENDER

    EXAM NUMBER:

    L9240A-EA

    RECRUITMENT TYP E :

    OPEN COMPETITIVE JOB OPPORTUNITY - Emergency

    WHO WE ARE
    The Los Angeles County Office of the Public Defender is the finest client-centered criminal defense firm in the nation, providing a beacon for evolutionary and revolutionary changes in the justice system.
    Our Offices are headed by innovative and progressive leaders collaboratively working towards our agency’s mission of reducing the incarceration rate for our indigent clientele.

    We are an essential contributor to Los Angeles County’s homelessness emergency response. Through its legal services, the Los Angeles County Office of the Public Defender works to facilitate the diversion of thousands of low-income community members annually from LA County’s jails and into treatment services and works to reduce the collateral social and economic impacts of contact with the criminal legal system, such as losing employment, social services, and housing. The collective services provided and supported by our workforce have a direct positive impact on our local homelessness crisis.

    WHEN TO APPLY
    Applications will be accepted beginning Thursday, April 18, 2024 at 8:00 a.m. (PT) until the needs of the service are met and is subject to closure without prior notice.

    The LA County Board of Supervisors recently declared a local state of emergency for homelessness , and the County is working to revise and expand our response to help all who are affected. We are looking for qualified and passionate individuals to help us in the mission of addressing issues like housing, mental health, and substance use. If you are looking for an internship that will directly benefit the population of LA County, this may be the opportunity for you.
    The Los Angeles County Office of the Public Defender is seeking qualified candidates to fill Law Clerk vacancies related to the homelessness crisis.

    ABOUT THE POSITION
    The Los Angeles County Office of the Public Defender's Law Clerk Program introduces select students to the operations of the office, the court system, and related agencies in the criminal justice system. Law Clerks are mentored by experienced criminal defense attorneys who provide them with real-life educational experience. Law clerks will play an important role in helping attorneys provide legal assistance to homeless clients seeking mental health and substance use disorder treatment and services, ensuring our unhoused clients receive the necessary legal support and access to vital treatment and services. Law clerks are given the opportunity to observe and participate in client interviews, case strategy meetings, and court proceedings. Law Clerks may complete research and writing projects including briefs, investigation requests, and motions to be filed in court. They may also accompany the attorneys to jail interviews and attend public defender training sessions.

    The Law Clerk internship program in the Office of the Public Defender tracks the academic year and is offered in the summer (10 weeks) and in spring and fall (16 weeks).

    OUR IDEAL TEAM MEMBER: This opportunity is for you if you wish to join a team revolutionizing the criminal justice system. We're looking for team members who hold our Office's shared values of zealously advocating in defense of our indigent clientele, and compassionately amplifying their stories.

    Essential Job Functions

    ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS INCLUDE BUT MAY NOT BE LIMITED TO:
    • Provides support to attorneys in a wide variety of legal tasks including research, interpretation, and application of laws, court decisions, and other legal authorities for use in the preparation of cases, pleadings, briefs, and other legal documents.
    • Assists in reviewing and preparing case file discovery related to clients' mental health and substance use disorders.
    • Analyzes medical records, psychiatric evaluations, and other relevant documents to identify key factors contributing to mitigation.
    • Interviews clients to obtain factual, biographical and financial information and assists in the scheduling of witnesses and prepares witnesses and clients in courtroom procedures and appropriate protocol.
    • Collaborates with the assigned attorney in drafting legal briefs and motions presented in court for mitigation, trial preparation, or hearings.
    • Performs clerical and computer data input.


    Requirements

    REQUIREMENTS
    You MUST meet ONE of the requirement(s) listed below in order to be appointed to fill any vacancies related to this recruitment:
    Option 1:
    • Currently enrolled in and completion of the first year or equivalent of study* in a school accredited by American Bar Association (ABA) or a California-accredited law school (CALS).

      *Program of study includes full-time, part-time, or distance learning programs. Completion of first year or equivalent is the completion of the expected coursework during the first year (1L) of law school.
    Option 2:
    • Currently enrolled in an unaccredited law school registered with the State Bar of California (CALS) or currently participating in a law office study (LOS) program -AND- have passed the State Bar of California First Year Law Student's Examination (FYLSX)**
    To show that you meet ONE of the options above, you will need to provide the following:

    Under Option 1:
    A copy of your official or unofficial transcripts or official letter from the ABA or CALS-approved, or accredited institution that clearly shows your current enrollment and grade level at the time of filing or within seven (7) calendar days from the date of filing your application. Submit your documentation to Exams@pubdef.lacounty.gov , and indicate the exam name and number in the subject field of your email. If you do not provide the required documentation within the specified time frame your application may be rejected.

    Accreditation Information :

    Accredited institutions are those listed in the publications of regional, national, or international accrediting agencies that are accepted by the Department of Human Resources. Publications such as American Universities and Colleges and the International Handbook of Universities are acceptable references. Also acceptable, if appropriate, are degrees that have been evaluated and deemed to be equivalent to degrees from United States-accredited institutions by an academic credential evaluation agency recognized by The National Association of Credential Evaluation Services or the Association of International Credential Evaluators, Inc. (AICE). More information is available at the Department of Human Resources - Accredited College Education Resource Guide.

    Under Option 2:
    A copy of your FYLSX exam results letter from The State Bar of California at the time of filing or within seven (7) calendar days from the date of applying. Submit your documentation to Exams@pubdef.lacounty.gov , and indicate the exam name and number in the subject field of your email.
    If you do not provide the required documentation within the specified time frame your application may be rejected.

    **FYLSX or "baby bar" is designed and required for Law students after completing their first year of law study in a juris doctor degree program at a State Bar-unaccredited registered law school or through the Law Office Study Program, or those without two years of college work attending a California-accredited or an ABA-approved law school. More information is available at The State Bar of California website or the Admissions and Education Standards Rule 4.25 - 4.31.

    PHYSICAL CLASS II - LIGHT
    This job requires light physical effort which 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 utilize an alternative method of transportation when needed to carry out job-related essential functions.

    VACANCY INFORMATION
    Applicants under this Emergency Appointment recruitment effort will be appointed to fill vacancies within the Los Angeles County Office of the Public Defender.

    Additional Information

    APPLICATION & FILING INFORMATION
    • APPLICATIONS MUST BE FILED ONLINE ONLY. Applications submitted by U.S. Mail, Fax, or in person will not be accepted.
    • Apply online by clicking on the green "Apply" button for this posting. Please review your application for accuracy before submitting it. You can also track the status of your application by visiting Governmentjobs.com and logging into your account.
    • Many important notifications such as application notices and appointment (job offer) letters will be sent electronically to the email address provided on your application. It is your responsibility to provide a valid email address and review all notifications sent to you. Please add Exams@pubdef.lacounty.gov , hmoreno@pubdef.lacounty .gov , Personnel@pubdef.lacounty.gov , and noreply@governmentjobs.com to your email address book and list of approved senders to prevent email notifications from being filtered or blocked as spam/junk/clutter mail.
    • Applicants can opt out of emails from Los Angeles County. If you unsubscribe, you will not receive any examination notifications. You can always access some of these notifications by logging into your profile inbox at Governmentjobs.com which s aves a copy of all emailed notices. It is your responsibility to take the above steps to view correspondence.
    • Plan to submit your online application well in advance of the first day of filing as you may be required to verify your email address. This only needs to be done once per email address, and if you already have a job seeker account on Governmentjobs.com , you can verify at any time by logging in and following the prompts. This is to enhance the security of your online application and to ensure you do not enter an incorrect email address.
    • The acceptance of your application depends on whether you have clearly shown that you meet the minimum requirements. Fill out your application and Supplemental Questionnaire completely. Provide any relevant job experience in the spaces provided so we can evaluate your qualifications for the job. For each job held, give the name and address of your employer, your job title, beginning and ending dates, number of hours worked per week and description of work performed. Incomplete applications will be rejected.
    • Please note that all information included in the application materials is subject to VERIFICATION at any point during the examination and hiring process, including after an appointment has been made. FALSIFICATION of any information may result in disqualification.
    SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER
    Please include your Social Security Number for record control purposes. Federal law requires that all employed persons have a Social Security Number.

    COMPUTER AND INTERNET ACCESS AT PUBLIC LIBRARIES
    For candidates who may not have regular access to a computer or internet, applications can be completed on computers at public libraries throughout Los Angeles County. Applicants can find out more information about select in-person library services and locations by visiting the Los Angeles County Library website.

    NO SHARING OF USER ID AND PASSWORD
    All applicants must file their application online using their OWN user ID and password.
    Using a family member's or friend's user ID and password may erase a candidate's original application record.

    FAIR CHANCE INITIATIVE
    The County of Los Angeles is a Fair Chance employer. Except for a very limited number of positions, you will not be asked to provide information about a conviction history unless you receive a contingent offer of employment. The County will make an individualized assessment of whether your conviction history has a direct or adverse relationship with the specific duties of the job, and consider potential mitigating factors, including, but not limited to, evidence and extent of rehabilitation, recency of the offense(s), and age at the time of offense(s). If asked to provide information about a conviction history, any convictions or court records that are exempted by a valid court order do not have to be disclosed.

    ANTI-RACISM, DIVERSITY, AND INCLUSION (ARDI)
    The County of Los Angeles recognizes and affirms that all people are created equal and are entitled to all rights afforded by the Constitution of the United States. The Department of Human Resources is committed to promoting Anti-racism, Diversity, and Inclusion efforts to address the inequalities and disparities amongst races. We support the ARDI Strategic Plan and its goals by improving equality, diversity, and inclusion in recruitment, selection, and employment practices.

    Questions? Contact us:
    Exam Number:     L9240A-EA
    Department Contact Name: Hector Moreno
    Department Contact Phone: (213) 460-8068
    Department Contact Email: Exams@pubdef.lacounty.gov
    ADA Coordinator Email: Exams@pubdef.lacounty.gov
    California Relay Service Phone: (800) 735-2922
    Teletype Phone: (800) 735-2929

    For detailed information, please click here
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    Please mention you found this employment opportunity on the CareersInGovernment.com job board.

LATEST JOBS

Top Government Legal Jobs: A Guide to Finding the Best Opportunities

Top Government Legal Jobs: A Guide to Finding the Best Opportunities
 

Introduction to Government Legal Careers

Government legal jobs offer diverse opportunities for law students, recent graduates, and experienced attorneys to work in various government agencies and departments. These roles enable professionals to contribute to impactful cases while developing expertise in specific areas of law.

The federal government, state governments, and various agencies provide many career paths for legal professionals. With attorney positions available across sectors, government legal careers offer the chance to influence policy, engage in public service, and develop a deep understanding of the law.

Key highlights of government legal careers:

  • Work on high-profile and significant cases.
  • Gain specialized knowledge in areas like government contracts and compliance.
  • Contribute to public service, shaping laws and regulations.
 

Types of Government Agencies

Legal professionals are employed by government agencies at both the federal and state levels. These agencies offer positions for attorneys, paralegals, and specialists and cover a wide range of legal functions, from litigation to regulatory compliance.

Some of the key agencies that hire legal professionals include:

category039-image-001-careers-in-government
  • Federal agencies: The Department of Justice, the Securities and Exchange Commission, and the Federal Trade Commission.
  • State government agencies: State attorneys general offices, legislative legal departments, and public defenders’ offices.
  • Government contractors: Companies working with the government often employ legal professionals to handle regulatory compliance and government contracts.

This variety of agencies allows attorneys to explore different areas of law and government service, making government legal jobs diverse and highly rewarding.

 

Requirements for Government Legal Jobs

Candidates must meet educational and professional standards to qualify for most government legal jobs. Attorney positions typically require a Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree from a law school accredited by the American Bar Association. Paralegal specialist roles often require a bachelor’s degree and relevant experience in legal practice.

Here are some key requirements:

  • Attorney positions: Requires a J.D. degree and, in many cases, bar membership in good standing.
  • Paralegal specialist positions: Requires a bachelor’s degree and experience in legal work.
  • Entry-level attorney positions: Recent law school graduates can apply for positions through the federal government’s excepted service programs or state government agencies.

To succeed in these roles, having a solid legal foundation, an understanding of governmental structures, and knowledge of the specific requirements outlined in each vacancy announcement is essential.

 

Application & Hiring Process

Applying for government legal jobs requires following a formal process. The federal government and many state agencies use USAJOBS to list available positions, while other agencies might have their career portals. Understanding how to navigate these systems is essential for securing a position.

The typical application process includes:

  1. Finding job listings: Check USAJOBS or individual agency websites such as the Department of Justice or the Securities and Exchange Commission.
  2. Submitting an application: Most applications require a resume, cover letter, and writing samples demonstrating legal expertise.
  3. Meeting qualifications: Each vacancy announcement lists the required qualifications, including specific legal experience, educational background, or bar status.
  4. Screening process: Many agencies conduct interviews and thorough background checks as part of their hiring process.
category039-image-002-careers-in-governmen

Applicants should pay close attention to the specific criteria in the job announcements to ensure their application materials are tailored to the role.

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Benefits of Government Legal Careers

One of the main attractions of government legal careers is the stability and long-term benefits they provide. These positions offer not only competitive salaries but also excellent job security. Furthermore, government employees often enjoy comprehensive healthcare plans, retirement benefits, and opportunities for professional development.

The benefits include:

  • Job security: Government positions offer reliable and stable employment.
  • Professional growth: Opportunities for advancement and specialized training are often available, allowing attorneys to develop expertise in particular legal areas.
  • Public service: Contributing to the justice system and working on impactful cases can be deeply fulfilling for those passionate about the law.

Many attorneys in government roles find the combination of career growth and public service an ideal mix for long-term professional satisfaction.

Specialized Government Legal Roles

Government legal jobs are not limited to general practice; they often involve specialization in specific legal fields. Attorneys working for government agencies can focus on environmental law, national security, labor law, or government contracts.

category039-image-003-careers-in-government

Specialized roles include:

  • General Counsel: Provides legal advice to government agencies, ensuring compliance with laws and regulations.
  • Attorneys in niche fields: These roles include legal professionals working on intellectual property, government contracts, and public policy issues.
  • Paralegal specialists: Support attorneys in legal research, document preparation, and case management tasks.

Such roles allow attorneys to dive deep into specific legal areas while contributing to government policies and regulations.

 

Finding Government Legal Jobs

For those interested in government legal careers, several resources can assist with job searches:

  • USAJOBS: This platform comprehensively lists federal government job openings, including legal positions.
  • Agency websites: Federal agencies like the Department of Justice and state government websites regularly post job opportunities.
  • Networking: Connecting with current or former government attorneys can open doors to hidden opportunities and provide valuable insights into the application process.

These resources can help streamline the search for government legal positions and increase the chances of landing a role that fits your expertise.

 

Resources for Government Legal Job Seekers

Several professional organizations and resources provide guidance and support for those seeking government legal jobs:

  • American Bar Association (ABA): Offers tools and advice for law students and recent graduates looking to enter public service law.
  • National Association of Law Placement (NALP): Provides job listings and career guidance for government and public interest legal positions.
  • Government agency websites: Many agencies, such as the Securities and Exchange Commission and the Department of Justice, offer career resources for aspiring government attorneys.
category039-image-004-careers-in-governmen

These resources can help candidates navigate the complexities of the government hiring process and build successful careers in public service law.

 

Tips for Success in Government Legal Careers

To excel in government legal jobs, consider the following strategies:

  • Strengthen research and writing skills: These are crucial for success in government attorney positions.
  • Develop expertise in a niche area: Specialization in areas like environmental law or government contracts can boost your career prospects.
  • Network with professionals: Building relationships with government legal professionals can provide valuable career insights and opportunities.

Aspiring government attorneys can position themselves for success and growth within the public sector by focusing on these areas.

 

Conclusion

Government legal jobs offer many opportunities for law students, recent graduates, and seasoned professionals. With roles available at federal and state levels, government agencies provide meaningful career paths that allow legal professionals to develop specialized knowledge, serve the public, and contribute to the justice system. By understanding the requirements, application process, and available resources, you can successfully navigate your way to a rewarding career in government law.

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