What are the responsibilities and job description for the Post-Bar Law Clerk (Spring 2025) position at Butte County, CA?
Summary
Spring 2025 Post-Bar Law Clerk
This is an Extra Help Position. Extra Help means this may be a Part-Time or Full-Time, Non-Permanent position. The number of hours worked per week may vary and depend on the needs of the department. However, it is expected to be a 40 hour a week extra help position. For terms and conditions concerning Extra Help with Butte County, see (Download PDF reader)Section 6.13c of the 2021 Personnel Rules.
APPLICATION PROCESS:
The requirements to apply for the Butte County District Attorney Post-Bar Law Clerk Program are as follows:
Attach two letters of recommendation.
Attach a writing sample not to exceed 5 pages.
Attach proof showing plans to sit for the California State Bar July 2025 Exam.
Under the supervision of prosecutors, the position provides hands-on, paid experience in criminal law. Post-Bar law clerks engage in legal research, write motions, assist with trial preparation and conduct contested hearings under the supervision of a Deputy District Attorney. The post-bar law clerk position is a limited, extra help fixed term and at-will position for 12 - 14 weeks, 40 hours per week.
IDEAL CANDIDATE:
The ideal candidate will have a demonstrated interest in criminal law, solid legal research skills and an ability to communicate - orally and in writing - in a clear and persuasive manner. While the District Attorney's office cannot make specific commitments, once the post-bar clerk passes the bar, former clerks are evaluated for future possible employment based on experience, education, performance, availability, the need for attorneys, and budget constraints.
Essential Job Functions
Essential functions, as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include any of the following tasks, knowledge, skills and other characteristics. The list that follows is not intended as a comprehensive list; it is intended to provide a representative summary of the major duties and responsibilities. Incumbent(s) may not be required to perform all duties listed, and may be required to perform additional, position-specific tasks.
- Research and analyze principles, concepts, codes and case law. Draft correspondence, memos and legal motions.
- Review, analyze and apply evidence, reports, recordings and witness interviews. Investigate facts and case law to prepare cases, determine actions and recommend strategy.
- Prepare legal documents including motions, affidavits, jury instructions, warrants and other documents for use by a Deputy District Attorney.
- Work closely with Deputy District Attorneys to make filing or declination decisions, research and drafting motions, preparing cases for trial and developing case tactics.
- Provide a wide range of legal support, administrative duties and other duties as assigned.
Minimum Qualifications
- Candidate will have taken the California State Bar exam prior to starting employment and be waiting for exam results. Individuals who have taken the California State Bar exam more than twice are not eligible for this position.
- Be eligible and willing to work as a certified law student through the California State Bar Practical Training of Law Students program. Please refer to the California State Bar website for additional information.
- Consent to and pass a background investigation. Post-bar clerks who have other outside employment must disclose employment to the District Attorney's office for review prior to accepting this assignment.
- Post-bar clerks selected for the positions may not perform any work (paid or unpaid) for any criminal defense attorney during the pendency of their clerkship with this office. Any other employment must be disclosed and approved by this office.
Environmental Factors and Conditions/Physical Requirements
- Work in an office environment.
- Be subject to repetitive motions, such as typing and viewing a monitor.
- May be exposed to angry, hostile or volatile citizens.
