Public Defender Law Clerk

ABOUT THE DEPARTMENT
The mission of the County of Ventura Public Defender is to ensure equal justice for our clients by providing exceptional legal representation. Our office recognizes the value of having a diverse and inclusive workforce. We are committed to the professional development of every employee on every team so they, in turn, can help each of our clients achieve the best outcome in their case. Our clients are a diverse community, as well, and many suffer from negative social impacts of systemic racism. We honor the inherent dignity in every client by fighting for their rights. We are holistic and take the time to find out how we can help – both inside and outside the courtroom. Our staff includes experts in litigation and trial advocacy, as well as professionals who can help people address mental health and substance use disorder issues. We represent each client at all stages of their case, and our practice areas include Misdemeanor and Felony trial teams, Immigration, Writs and Appeals, Juvenile, and Mental Health, plus a number of specialty courts, including Conservatorship and Homeless Courts. Our office partners with community-based organizations in post-conviction litigation to clear records so our clients can avoid the stigma of a criminal conviction and find jobs. By helping people gain employment and reenter their communities, we enhance public safety and demonstrate our dedication to this community. 

THE POSITION
Under the supervision of an attorney, a law clerk will screen potential clients for eligibility for our services and assist current clients with their matters. Law clerks conduct client interviews, assist attorneys with research and writing, create and maintain databases to track cases and work completed, assist attorneys with drafting of motions, applications, and petitions, and interact with representatives of outside agencies.

Distinguishing Characteristics:
The Law Clerk differs from that of the attorney classification in that the former is not eligible or has not been admitted to the State Bar.

Note: Although attorneys licensed to practice law will not be excluded from applying for this position, this is not an attorney position. This position is for a Law Clerk who will perform the duties outlined in this job announcement which may include legal research and writing. The candidate selected for this position will not appear on the record in court.
 
THE IDEAL CANDIDATE
The ideal candidate will possess:

• The ability to communicate clearly and work independently and as a member of a team.
• Possess the knowledge and computer skills necessary to assist with developing and maintaining a database.
• Excellent organizational skills.
• The desire to work in the criminal defense field assisting persons accused of crimes. 
• Some legal research and writing skills.

PAYROLL TITLE:  Law Clerk

EDUCATIONAL/BILINGUAL INCENTIVE
Incumbents may be eligible for an educational incentive of 2.5%, 3.5%, or 5% based on completion of an Associate’s, Bachelor’s. or Master’s degree that is not required for the classification. Incumbents may also be eligible for bilingual incentive depending upon operational need and certification of skill.
 
The eligible list established from this recruitment may be used to fill existing and future Regular (including Temporary and Fixed-Term), Intermittent, and Extra Help vacancies in the Public Defender's Office.  There is currently one (1) Regular vacancy.  

The Law Clerk is represented by the Services Employees International Union (SEIU) and is eligible for overtime compensation.

TENTATIVE SCHEDULE 
Opening Date:  Wednesday, June 3, 2026
Closing Date:  Monday, June 15, 2026, at 5:00 pm
Application Review Complete:  Week of June 22, 2026