Job Description

Job Description and Duties

The Office of the State Public Defender (OSPD) has two statutory mandates: representing indigent people on death row in their direct appeals before the California Supreme Court and enhancing the quality and capacity of public defense systems across California. Despite  the current execution moratorium, California maintains the largest death row in the Western Hemisphere. To advance the development of  the law and improve conditions for our direct representation of indigent people on death row, OSPD also engages in select non-capital  appellate representation and amicus work in courts across California.

OSPD provides cutting-edge legal services to indigent people convicted of non-capital and capital offenses who appeal their convictions to  the California Courts of Appeal and Supreme Court. We are looking to train the next generation of appellate defenders on everything from  capital case procedure to how to litigate the Racial Justice Act. 

As a Summer Appellate Law Clerk with the OSPD Appellate Division, you will become a stronger writer and sharper legal researcher. You  will come away with an understanding of what a career in appellate criminal defense entails and a writing sample that will help you open  doors. Most importantly, you will be making a difference in the lives of people who need your help.

You will find additional information about the job in the .

Minimum Requirements

You will find the Minimum Requirements in the Class Specification.

Additional Documents

Special Requirements

Registration as a graduate student in law at a college or university of recognized standing. (Persons appointed during the summer months must produce evidence of eligibility for such registration in the following enrollment period.)

Application Instructions

Completed applications and all required documents must be received or postmarked by the Final Filing Date in order to be considered. Dates printed on Mobile Bar Codes, such as the Quick Response (QR) Codes available at the USPS, are not considered Postmark dates for the purpose of determining timely filing of an application.

Final Filing Date: 10/5/2026

Who May Apply

This is a non-testing classification, therefore anyone meeting the minimum qualifications listed on the classification specification may apply for this position. Individuals who are, or have been, a dependent child in foster care, a homeless youth, or a formerly incarcerated youth as defined by Government Code section 18220 are encouraged to apply and will be given priority. If you are applying under this eligibility status, please note on your application your eligibility by stating “preference under Government Code section 18220”. Please note that prior to appointment, individuals claiming preference under one of these categories will be required to furnish documentation establishing their eligibility.

Applications will be screened and only the most qualified applicants will be selected to move forward in the selection process. Applicants must meet the Minimum Qualifications stated in the Classification Specification(s).

How To Apply

Complete Application Packages (including your Examination/Employment Application (STD 678) and applicable or required documents) must be submitted to apply for this Job Posting. Application Packages may be submitted electronically through your CalCareer Account at When submitting your application in hard copy, a completed copy of the Application Package listing must be included. If you choose to not apply electronically, a hard copy application package may be submitted through an alternative method listed below:

Address for Mailing Application Packages

You may submit your application and any applicable or required documents to:

Office of the State Public Defender

Human Resources Office

Attn: LD Gutierrez

770 L Street, Suite 1000

Sacramento , CA 95814

Address for Drop-Off Application Packages

You may drop off your application and any applicable or required documents at:

Office of the State Public Defender

Human Resources Office

LD Gutierrez

770 L Street, Suite 1000

Sacramento , CA 95814

08:00 AM - 05:00 PM

Required Application Package Documents

The following items are required to be submitted with your application. Applicants who do not submit the required items timely may not be considered for this job:

• Current version of the State Examination/Employment Application STD Form 678 (when not applying electronically), or the Electronic State Employment Application through your Applicant Account at All Experience and Education relating to the Minimum Qualifications listed on the Classification Specification should be included to demonstrate how you meet the Minimum Qualifications for the position.
• Resume is required and must be included.
• Other - Cover Letter
• Other - Two Professional References
• Other - Education Documents - Law School Transcripts: Official and Non-Official transcripts will be accepted; however, a person(s) appointed for the summer months must produce evidence of enrollment in the fall term and a copy of their official college/university transcripts.
• Other - Legal Writing Sample - Please see "Legal Writing Sample" section for instructions. 

Applicants requiring reasonable accommodations for the hiring interview process must request the necessary accommodations if scheduled for a hiring interview. The request should be made at the time of contact to schedule the interview. Questions regarding reasonable accommodations may be directed to the EEO contact listed on this job posting.

Benefits

The State of California offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes Health, Dental, and Retirement benefits. For more information on what is offered by the State of California, please visit:

• The California Department of Human Resources  CalHR website.
• The California Public Employees' Retirement System  CalPERS website.

Contact Information

The Human Resources Contact is available to answer questions regarding the position or application process.

Department Website:

Human Resources Contact:
Lady Diana Gutierrez
(916) 322-9035
LadyDiana.Gutierrez@ospd.ca.gov

Please direct requests for Reasonable Accommodations to the interview scheduler at the time the interview is being scheduled. You may direct any additional questions regarding Reasonable Accommodations or Equal Employment Opportunity for this position(s) to the Department's EEO Office.

EEO Contact:
Jannet Esparza
(916) 322-2676
Jannet.Esparza@ospd.ca.gov

California Relay Service: 1-800-735-2929 (TTY), 1-800-735-2922 (Voice) TTY is a Telecommunications Device for the Deaf, and is reachable only from phones equipped with a TTY Device.

Legal Writing Sample

A legal writing sample is required. A writing sample that includes substantive legal analysis and reflects your ability to write as an advocate is preferred. If you do not have such a sample, please submit one that best reflects your ability to write and engage in legal analysis. Your sample should be no longer than 10 pages single-spaced or 20 pages double spaced with 12 pt font. Please include a cover page (which does not count toward the page limit) with your writing sample explaining the circumstances under which it was written and the extent to which it reflects independent or edited work. The writing in your sample should be your own and not be generated using artificial intelligence (AI). If any aspect of your writing sample is the result of AI (research, citations, or writing), please identify and explain the extent of AI use in your cover page.

*** Applicants who fail to submit a complete application package, including the required writing sample, will NOT be considered. ***

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