Preference is given to students who meet the eligibility requirements for California's Practical Training of Law Students Program, which includes: 1. Completion of first year of law school OR passage of first year law students' exam. AND 2. Completion of, or current enrollment in courses in Evidence and Civil Procedure. For post-bar graduates, the program requires sitting for the first available bar exam after graduation, and eligibility extends until bar exam results are released. [see California Rules of Court 9.42 regarding PTLS program for 'Certified Law Students"]
Post-Bar Law Clerk Description:
Post-Bar Law clerks are eligible as "Certified Law Students" under the State Bar's program for Practical Training of Law Students. This program allows students who have graduated and sat for the first available bar exam to conduct evidentiary hearings, and even trials under the supervision of an experienced attorney. Kern County offers post-bar law clerks ample opportunities to present evidence and argument in court on both felony preliminary hearings and even misdemeanor jury trials. Much more than a legal research position, post-bar law clerks at the Kern County District Attorney's Office are given criminal cases to handle at multiple phases of the process, and regularly appear in court to present testimony and evidence at contested hearings.
Post-bar law clerks typically join the Kern County District Attorney's Office within a few weeks after taking the bar exam and are permitted opportunities to learn trial and hearing practice, present evidence, and learn the various facets of criminal prosecution. When bar exam results are released, post-bar law clerks that have passed the bar exam are immediately and strongly considered for appointment as a Deputy District Attorney, with law clerk experience considered for elevated starting salary as a Deputy District Attorney.
To apply for appointment as a Law School Graduate Clerk, submit a resume and cover letter to the District Attorney's Office at DAHiring@kernda.org
Pay Range: $3,433.89 - $4,103.82 Monthly
Posted: January 30, 2025