District Attorney Post-Bar Law Clerk: February Or July 2024 Bar Exam (Law Clerk II)

The County of Riverside Office of the District Attorney is currently recruiting post-bar law clerks (Law Clerk II) for the Spring and Fall of 2024, with the possibility for applicants to ultimately become entry-level prosecutors upon successfully passing the California Bar Exam in 2024. Incumbents will perform legal research and provide legal assistance in support of licensed attorneys, and perform other related duties as required.

Positions are available throughout the Riverside County, with special consideration being given to filling priority vacancies in the Coachella Valley Office and the Colorado River Office. Incumbents in this position are expected to work approximately a 40-hour work week.

This position is primarily open to current students who are currently in their final year of law school in an accredited Juris Doctorate (JD) program, current students in an accredited Master of Law (LLM) program; or individuals who have recently graduated from an accredited JD or LLM program and are expecting to take the California State Bar Exam for the first time in either February or July of 2024, or are awaiting results. Certified post-bar law clerks must be eligible to obtain a Certificate for Practical Training of Law Students (PTLS) from the California State Bar, allowing them to make appearances in court under the supervision of a Deputy District Attorney.              

Depending on the area of assignment, the Law Clerk II is a natural progression underfill for the classifications of Deputy District Attorney I. Incumbents are expected to promote to the Deputy District Attorney I after obtaining the necessary requirements. Failure to promote will result in incumbents being returned to their former County classification or new hires being released prior to the end of their probationary period.

Meet the Team!

The District Attorney of Riverside County, as the public prosecutor acting on behalf of the People, vigorously enforces the law, pursues the truth, protects those victimized by crime, exonerates the innocent, and safeguards the rights of all to ensure that justice is done on behalf of our community.  The office's staff of over 700 is comprised of prosecuting attorneys, sworn investigators, victim-witness advocates, paralegals, investigative technicians, forensic analysts, and a wide range of information technology and supporting staff all committed to excellence and integrity in public service.  We are, and we seek to maintain, a diverse workforce to match a diverse county.

•  Perform legal research in the preparation of legal briefs, opinions, and similar documents.

•  Prepare drafts and legal memoranda summarizing studies of court decisions, state statutes, County Ordinances, and legal opinions, review pleadings, deeds, and contracts.

•  Review documentary evidence and prepare opinions; prepare correspondence and reports.

•  Assist with case preparation including, but not limited to witness contact, victim contact, evidence preparation.

•  Attend and appear on the record in court.

•  Prepare motions; work in the case management system; and assist with other case-related duties as assigned.

All applicants must attach a current resume to their application for consideration.

Option I

Education: Current students in their final year of law school in an accredited Juris Doctorate (JD) program, current students in an accredited Master of Law (LLM) program, or individuals who have recently graduated from an accredited JD or LLM program; and are expecting to take the California State Bar Exam for the first time in either February or July of 2024, or are awaiting results.

Certificate: Must be eligible to obtain a Certificate for Practical Training of Law Students (PTLS) from the California Board of Bar Examiners.

Option II

Education: Current students in their final year of law school in an accredited Juris Doctorate (JD) program, current students in an accredited Master of Law (LLM) program, or individuals who have recently graduated from an accredited JD or LLM program; and are expecting to take the California State Bar Exam in either February or July of 2024, or are awaiting results.

Experience: Previous intern or Law Clerk with the County of Riverside Office of the District Attorney.

Other Requirements

License: Must be eligible to obtain a valid California Driver's License.

Knowledge of: Principles of civil and criminal law and their application; legal research methods and techniques; preparation of briefs and opinions; resources available in a law library; trial and hearing procedures and rules of evidence; county government functions and legal responsibilities.

Ability to: Perform legal research; analyze legal problems; prepare drafts of legal documents; present states of fact, law, and argument clearly and logically in written and oral form; work cooperatively with others.

Desired Experience, Knowledge, Abilities: Knowledge of discovery obligations as a prosecutor and the process of obtaining and disclosing discovery in a timely manner; ability to prepare and organize extensive legal discovery, evidence, and exhibits to be presented in court; ability and skill to prepare and conduct preliminary hearings; ability and skill to present misdemeanor trials to a jury or judge and argue contested motions; ability to devise trial strategy, recognize factual, ethical, and legal issues in a case; ability to negotiate with defense attorneys regarding the disposition and modification of charges in a case.

Contact

For more information regarding this position, please contact the recruiter, Stephanie Rodriguez, at (951) 955-5776 or via email at sterodriguez@rivco.org.