Listed are the minimum requirements as well as instructions on how to become a legal research assistant.

• Candidates must be a continuing student in good academic standing currently enrolled in and attending classes in a 3 or 4 year law school curriculum. The student applicant must have already attended school as a full-time student for no less than 3 semesters or 4 quarters, or as a part-time student for no less than 4 semesters or 6 quarters.

- Or-

• A graduate from a 3 or 4 year law school curriculum and applicant for the first General Bar Examination scheduled after graduation from law school, or if said examination has been taken is awaiting the results, and be certified or pending certification by the State Bar of California under provisions of the Rules Governing the Practical Training of Law Students.

- Or -

• A member of the State Bar of California having been admitted within the past 12 months upon successfully passing the General Bar Examination for which the applicant was eligible after graduation from law school.

• Students must work at least 15 hours per week
• Prerequisites include Criminal Law and Criminal Procedures
• Evidence can be taken concurrently

Special Note: Appointments to this student class shall not exceed four (4) calendar years from initial date of appointment.

Must be knowledgeable in the principles of criminal law and their application; trial procedures and rules of evidence; legal research methods. Interpret and apply laws and legal authorities; present statements of fact, law and argument clearly and logically; establish and maintain effective working relationships with others; interview and evaluate.

• Researches, studies, interprets and applies laws, court decisions and other legal authorities for use in the preparation of cases, opinions, briefs, and other documents
• Drafts a variety of legal documents
• Locates, investigates and interviews clients and witnesses, including inmates of penal institutions, and reports on findings of facts
• Counsels and gives advice to clients
• Acts for and appears on behalf of clients in court or tribunal, or at other legal proceedings
• Confers with attorneys, judges, investigators and other individuals regarding legal matters
• Prepares correspondence and reports

Resumes are accepted on a continuous basis. Full-time and part-time positions are available. Positions are available in the following divisions:

• Misdemeanor
• Juvenile
• Felony: General Felony, Drug Court, Domestic Violence, Homicides, Death Penalty
• Conservatorship
• Research

Office of the Public Defender
Attn: LRA Hiring Attorney
700 H Street, Suite 0270
Sacramento, CA 95814
(916) 874-6411