Posting number: 2027-SOO-LCSpring
Department: Special Opportunities
Division: Volunteers & Internships
Job classification: Law Clerk
Posting type: Open
Categories: Internship
"The city attorney is both the city government's lawyer and a criminal prosecutor. In its early days, Los Angeles had a procurador syndico whose duty was to defend public rights. One of the municipal officers specified in the 1850 Act of Incorporation was the city attorney. The 1925 charter added a city prosecutor. That office was abolished in 1932, and the city attorney assumed its duties. The city attorney shares responsibility for prosecuting crime in the city with the elected district attorney of the county of Los Angeles. The district attorney prosecutes felonies while the city attorney prosecutes misdemeanor violations occurring in the city. The city attorney handles more than 100,000 misdemeanor cases a year. The city attorney's Municipal Counsel Branch acts as the lawyer for departments, elected officials and city commissions. As counsel to the city, the city attorney may be asked to interpret the city charter, a document that may sometimes be open to several interpretations. Another important duty of the city attorney is to represent the city in civil litigation. The city attorney works with city departments on risk management issues to reduce legal liability for the city and also defends the city in cases involving workers' compensation. City officials. departments and commissions rely on the city attorney for advice on how to provide public notice of meetings and how to run meetings with due regard for public comment. The city attorney now also advises neighborhood councils, as it does other city bodies and departments. on an as-needed basis". Dr. Raphael J. Sonenshein. Los Angeles: Structure of a City Government.
The Los Angeles City Attorney’s Office offers volunteer internship opportunities for students currently enrolled in high school, undergraduate, or graduate programs. Interns are assigned to a division. Depending on their placement, interns may gain experience in clerical tasks, court observation, assisting staff with case preparation, and/or community outreach and public service initiatives.
Applicants are encouraged to review the description of each division here to learn more about potential placement opportunities.
The Los Angeles City Attorney’s Office invites students currently enrolled in law school (1L, 2L, or 3L) or an LL.M. program to apply for volunteer law clerk opportunities.
Law clerks are assigned to a division. Depending on the placement, assignments may include legal research and writing, assisting attorneys with case preparation, observing court proceedings, and supporting other substantive legal work. The Office’s volunteer program is designed to provide participants with practical exposure to the work of a municipal law office.
Eligible law clerks may also qualify to become Certified Law Students under applicable California court rules, which may provide additional opportunities to participate in certain legal proceedings under attorney supervision.
Applicants are encouraged to review the description of each division here.
The Los Angeles City Attorney’s Office invites individuals who have received a Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree and are awaiting results of the California Bar Examination to apply for the Post-Bar Fellowship Program. Fellows are assigned to a division and work under the supervision of an attorney.
Depending on their assignment, fellows may assist with legal research, writing, case preparation, and other substantive legal matters. Fellows assigned to the Criminal Branch may also have opportunities to assist with court operations, sit second chair in trial, argue motions, and appear on the record.
Applicants are generally expected to commit approximately three months and should demonstrate a strong commitment to public interest law, excellent oral and written communication skills, strong research abilities, and the ability to work effectively in a team environment.
Applicants are encouraged to review the description of each division here.
SessionProgram DatesFallSeptember - NovemberSpringMarch - MaySummerJune - August
The Los Angeles City Attorney's Office requires Law Clerks to commit a minimum of 16 hours a week up to a full time schedule of 40 hours a week. The Office is open Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
The Internship, Law Clerk and Post-Bar Fellowship programs are unpaid; however, applicants may participate with funding secured through their law school or another outside source, or on a volunteer basis.
Placement can take place in any of the city attorney's offices throughout the City of Los Angeles. Location options and preferences will be discussed with applicants selected for an interview.
Contact Danette Garcia danette.garcia@lacity.org.
The City of Los Angeles employs more than 45,000 people in a wide range of careers. Visit our website for information on current openings, including regular civil service positions, exempt and emergency appointment opportunities, in addition to internships!
The City of Los Angeles is a Mayor-Council-Commission form of government, as originally adopted by voters of the City of Los Angeles, effective July 1, 1925, and reaffirmed by a new Charter effective July 1, 2000. A Mayor, City Controller, and City Attorney are elected by City residents every four years. Fifteen City Council members representing fifteen districts are elected by the people for four-year terms, for a maximum of two terms. Members of Commissions are generally appointed by the Mayor, subject to the approval of the City Council. General Managers of the various City departments are also appointed by the Mayor, subject to confirmation by the City Council. Most employees of the City are subject to the civil service provisions of the City Charter.
