Public Defender Post-Bar Law Clerk (Limited Term; 30 hours per week)

The Post-Bar Law Clerk provides legal research, writing, case preparation, and courtroom support within the Mono County Public Defender’s Office while awaiting California Bar Examination results. Under the direct supervision of the Public Defender and Contract Public Defenders, the position offers hands-on experience in criminal defense, including legal research and analysis, preparation of motions and memoranda, discovery, client and witness interviews, and trial preparation. Depending on certification, applicable State Bar requirements, and case needs, the Law Clerk may participate in or conduct misdemeanor arraignments, preliminary hearings, motions, court trials, jury trials, and other criminal proceedings. This temporary, Extra-Help position provides an opportunity to develop practical legal and courtroom skills in a collaborative rural public defense environment while supporting the constitutional right to effective legal representation. This is a limited term position that is funded until 11/20/2026.

To view the full job description, click here.


Ideal Candidate

The ideal candidate is a recent law school graduate with a strong interest in criminal defense and a commitment to public service. The successful candidate will demonstrate strong legal research, analytical, writing, and oral advocacy skills, with the ability to apply statutes, case law, evidence, and legal principles to complex factual circumstances. They will be comfortable working collaboratively with experienced defense attorneys while also demonstrating initiative, sound judgment, professionalism, and a willingness to learn through courtroom observation, mentorship, and hands-on casework.

The ideal candidate will communicate effectively with clients, witnesses, attorneys, court personnel, and justice-system partners, while maintaining strict confidentiality and professional boundaries. Because the position serves individuals from a wide range of cultural and socioeconomic backgrounds, the ability to approach clients and others with professionalism, respect, and empathy is essential. Candidates must be eligible for certification under the State Bar of California’s Certified Law Student Program and able to maintain eligibility to perform assigned duties under applicable State Bar requirements.

About the Mono County Public Defender’s Office

The Mono County Public Defender’s Office is dedicated to protecting the constitutional rights of individuals who are unable to afford private legal representation. Working in a rural and collaborative legal environment, the Office provides criminal defense services while emphasizing zealous advocacy, ethical representation, and access to justice.

The Post-Bar Law Clerk Program provides an opportunity to gain meaningful, practical experience in public defense while working alongside the Mono County Public Defender and Contract Public Defenders. Program participants are exposed to all stages of criminal proceedings and have opportunities to develop their legal research, writing, client communication, case preparation, and courtroom advocacy skills. The Office fosters professional development through direct mentorship, training, courtroom observation, and hands-on experience in a variety of criminal matters.

Mono County, California's Great Beyond

Mono County, Located in California’s Eastern Sierra

Mono County is a rural region with a dynamic community of 13,000 residents located in the eastern side of California’s Sierra Nevada range. Development is increasing in the area due to the consistent growth of the town of Mammoth Lakes. Known as “California’s Great Beyond” this natural playground offers a complete range of amenities and activities making it an ideal place to live and work. Enjoy fine shops, restaurants, and cafes. Snowboard, ski, or bike down mountain trails, fish for trout, explore the backcountry, play a round of golf, relax in soothing hot springs, or paddle a kayak along the shores of Mono Lake.

The town of Mammoth Lakes is the most populated region of Mono County, hosting Mammoth Mountain Ski area and various resort-community amenities. On the quieter side, June Lake, Lee Vining, Bridgeport, Walker, Coleville, Chalfant, and Benton offer a more rural atmosphere, unlimited outdoor adventures, and small-town charm.

This position does not qualify for benefits.

QUALIFICATIONS
Recent graduate of an American Bar Association (ABA) or California-accredited law school,
Took the July 2026 California State Bar examination,
Eligible to be certified under the State Bar of California’s Certified Law Student (CLS) Program, and
Maintaining eligibility to perform assigned duties under applicable State Bar of California rules and requirements.