The competitive Post Bar Law Clerk Program of the Fresno County Public Defender’s Office affords individuals who have taken the California Bar examination the opportunity to develop their legal analysis and courtroom presentation skills in a fast-paced, collaborative, dynamic indigent defense agency while awaiting California Bar results. Employment in this position, while subject to some flexibility, begins the Monday following the Bar exam. Successful Post Bar applicants are expected to be certified to appear in court by the California State Bar and to work 28 hours per week with possible hourly compensation. Second time bar takers are welcome to apply.
Post Bar Law Clerks are generally assigned to the misdemeanor unit within the Fresno County Public Defender’s Office to maximize the amount of experience and exposure. Post Bar Clerks complete a rigorous training program to prepare them for their future work as defense attorneys. Program participants shall gain essential defense experience by filing defense motions, conducting legal research, and writing memoranda thereon, assisting attorneys in trial preparation, conducting misdemeanor arraignments, motions to suppress evidence, Serna motions and more, all under the supervision of experienced Defense Attorneys.
Subject to funding and availability Post Bar Law Clerks are compensated at an hourly rate and are classified as extra help.
Application Process
The requirements to apply to the Fresno County Public Defender Post Bar Program are as follows:
- Commitment to taking the California Bar exam when next offered of the year of Program participation.
- Resume, and cover letter and transcript
Those interested in joining our Office as Post Bar Law Clerks must timely submit their required application materials, in a single .pdf file to Alan DeOcampo at ABDeocampo@fresnocountyca.gov.
Posted: March 20, 2024