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Public Law Center · 1 month ago

2026 Summer Law Clerk at Public Law Center

Santa Ana, CA

Part-time

Hybrid

New Grad

Public Law Center is committed to providing access to justice for low-income residents of Orange County, California. The 2026 Summer Law Clerk will assist in various legal projects, including client interaction, legal research, and community education, while working under the supervision of experienced attorneys.

AdviceLegalProfessional Services

No H1B

Responsibilities

Perform new case intake interviews; contact clients for follow-up through interviews and telephone calls; perform fact gathering; present new cases at weekly Case Acceptance meetings

Prepare opening case memos; draft correspondence, pleadings, and motions

Assist in drafting manuals, samples, and educational presentations to support pro bono attorneys working on PLC cases. Prepare cases for placement

Research legal issues; prepare client education materials; assist in conducting presentations to clients

Assist with providing trauma-informed legal services to litigants with domestic violence, custody, divorce, child & spousal support, guardianship, and dependency adoption matters. Work includes interviewing clients, attending legal clinics, preparing pleadings and legal briefs, writing letters, and providing advice and counsel to clients. Students who have completed Evidence and Civil Procedure may be eligible to make court appearances. SPANISH SPEAKER REQUIRED

Assist indigent persons with issues involving health insurance eligibility and coverage

Assist individuals and families with housing-related issues, such as evictions, hazardous living conditions, rent increases, landlord-tenant disputes, reasonable accommodations for tenants with disabilities, and housing voucher/subsidy terminations. Work includes interviewing clients, attending legal clinics, drafting pleadings and motions, writing demand letters, providing advice and counsel to clients under attorney supervision, and assisting attorneys in preparing for court hearings. There may be opportunities to assist with our affordable housing and impact litigation work as well. SPANISH SPEAKER PREFERRED. PAID POSITION AVAILABLE

Assist victims of human trafficking, asylum seekers, victims of domestic and other forms of violence, unaccompanied minors, individuals facing deportation proceedings, and others who need assistance completing and following up on pending immigration applications. Complete intakes and assist individuals in completing applications at DACA, naturalization, and consultation clinics. Attend community and collaborative meetings. Shadow attorneys representing clients in immigration and state court proceedings. SPANISH SPEAKER PREFERRED. PAID POSITION AVAILBLE

Students will focus on impact litigation cases and policy issues affecting low-income communities. Students will assist in the preparation of pleadings, motions, and discovery requests. Students will also gain experience in policy advocacy, including drafting regulatory comments and letters, and researching legal issues and proposed legislation. PAID POSITION AVAILABLE