The Law Offices of the Public Defender, County of Riverside, are currently recruiting law students to apply for our Summer and Post Bar law clerk programs. Law clerks work directly with our attorneys in court, representing indigent clients in misdemeanor and felony criminal cases. Law clerks also assist attorneys with research and writing projects, motion work, and trial preparation. Our program provides opportunities for clerks to work with specialized units within the office, including Mental Health, Immigration, Domestic Violence, Juvenile and Complex Litigation Units.
Law clerks who are eligible for certification under the rules of the State Bar may appear in court, on the record, under the supervision of deputy public defenders. In past years, our certified law clerks have argued motions, conducted preliminary hearings and participated in jury trials under supervision.
In addition to practical experience working with the attorneys, law clerks participate in training seminars on criminal law, ethics, and trial practice.
Our Summer and Post Bar law clerk positions are unpaid volunteer positions. Summer law clerk applicants must be currently enrolled in an accredited law school. Post Bar applicants must be 3L candidates awaiting graduation from an accredited law school prior to the commencement of the clerkship. All applicants must pass a background check. Ideal candidates should have a demonstrated interest in criminal law, trial practice, or public service, and have a desire to work with indigent and underserved communities.
We are accepting law clerk applicants for our Riverside, Banning, Southwest (Murrieta) and Coachella Valley (Indio) offices. Program dates and deadlines are as follows:
Volunteer Program Dates
2025 Summer Law Clerk Program:
Application Deadline: April 21st, 2025, or until positions are filled.
Program Dates: June 2nd, 2025, to August 8th 2025.
2025 Post Bar Law Clerk Program
Application Period: January 6th, 2025, to July 11th, 2025, or until positions are filled.
Program Dates: August 18th, 2025, to November 7th, 2025.
Undergraduate Volunteer Interns
The Law Offices of the Public Defender have limited opportunities for undergraduate students to work with attorneys and staff as Volunteer Interns on long and short-term projects. Ideal candidates should demonstrate interest in public service and working with indigent and/or underserved communities. All volunteers must pass a county background check.
To find out more about volunteering for the County of Riverside, please visit the Riverside County Human Resources Volunteer page.