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2027 Spring, Summer & Fall Externship Program – Trial Division Student Law Clerk | Oregon Public Defense Commission (Portland, OR)

Position: Trial Division Student Law Clerk (Extern)
Location: Northwest (Portland, OR)
Program Terms: Spring 2027, Summer 2027, and Fall 2027
Compensation: Unpaid Externship
Application Deadlines: To be considered for an OPDC Externship program, you must submit your application by the applicable deadlines listed below:

• Spring 2027 Externship: Sunday, 12/20/2026
• Summer 2027 Externship: Sunday, 3/28/2027
• Fall 2027 Externship: Sunday, 8/1/2027

About the Externship Program

The Oregon Public Defense Commission (OPDC) is seeking motivated and dedicated law students with a strong interest in criminal defense, litigation, and public service to participate in its 2027 Spring, Summer, and Fall Externship Program within the Trial Division.

This recruitment announcement serves as a centralized application for all three terms. Interested candidates may apply once and indicate their preferred externship term and location through the supplemental questions. Applicants may be considered for one or more terms based on their availability, qualifications, preferences, and OPDC's operational needs.

OPDC externs gain meaningful, hands-on experience working alongside experienced public defense attorneys and legal teams. Assignments may include legal research and writing, case preparation, client-related work, courtroom observations, and other projects that support the delivery of high-quality public defense services throughout Oregon.

This program offers law students an opportunity to develop practical legal skills, gain firsthand exposure to indigent criminal defense, and learn about the important role public defenders play in protecting the rights of individuals and promoting fairness in the criminal legal system.

Externship Disclaimer: This is an unpaid educational opportunity intended for law students seeking practical experience in public defense. Externs are not employees of OPDC and are not eligible for salary, wages, benefits, or other employment-related compensation through the externship. Applicants are encouraged to consult their law school regarding academic credit and any applicable externship requirements.

Minimum Qualifications

Applicants must meet the following minimum qualifications:

• Be currently enrolled in an American Bar Association (ABA)-accredited law school.
• Have successfully completed the first year of law school by the start of the applicable externship term.
• Possess a valid driver's license.
• Demonstrate legal research and legal writing skills.
• Be legally authorized to work in the United States.

Preferred Qualifications

Competitive applicants will demonstrate:

• Strong legal research, writing, analytical, and critical-thinking skills.
• Effective problem-solving and decision-making abilities.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Professional judgment, integrity, and an understanding of ethical responsibilities.
• Initiative, self-motivation, and a willingness to learn.
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to collaborate with attorneys and other members of a legal team.
• Effective organization and time-management skills.
• A commitment to public service, indigent defense, and serving diverse communities.
• The ability to receive constructive feedback and apply it to professional development.

Required Application Materials

Applicants must submit all of the following materials:

• Resume
• Current law school transcript
• Legal writing sample (5–10 pages)
• Applicant statement (maximum 500 words)

Applicants who are currently on academic probation must also submit a letter of recommendation from the dean of their law school.

Applicant Statement Requirements

Please address each of the following prompts in your statement, within the 500-word limit:

• Why are you interested in serving as a Student Law Clerk with the Oregon Public Defense Commission?
• How does this externship opportunity align with your professional and career goals?
• Describe a significant challenge you have overcome. How did you approach the challenge, and what did you learn from the experience?

Applicants should ensure that all required materials are submitted with their application. Incomplete applications may not receive further consideration.

Externship Term Preferences

As part of the application, candidates must complete the supplemental questions identifying their availability term preferences.

Applicants will be asked to indicate:

• Preferred externship term: Spring 2027, Summer 2027, Fall 2027, or multiple terms.
• Availability: Confirmation of the term or terms during which they can participate.

OPDC will make reasonable efforts to accommodate applicants' stated preferences. However, placement is subject to office capacity, supervision availability, program needs, and operational requirements. Submission of an application does not guarantee selection or placement in a particular term.

Selection Process

Applications will be reviewed to assess candidates' qualifications, interest in public defense, legal skills, and potential to contribute to the Trial Division.

The selection process may include review of:

• Resume and academic background.
• Law school transcript.
• Legal writing sample.
• Applicant statement.
• Academic reference letter.
• Interview responses.

Candidates selected for interviews may be asked to discuss their interest in public defense and criminal law, commitment to public service, professional judgment and ethics, communication and collaboration skills, critical thinking, problem solving, adaptability, organization, time management, and ability to learn from constructive feedback.

OPDC may consider qualified applicants for available placements across the three program terms, consistent with their stated preferences and the needs of the agency.

Why Extern with OPDC?

At the Oregon Public Defense Commission, Student Law Clerks have the opportunity to learn from dedicated public defense professionals who work to ensure that every client receives high-quality legal representation.

Through practical assignments, mentorship, and exposure to criminal defense practice, externs can strengthen their legal research and writing skills, develop a deeper understanding of litigation, and gain valuable insight into public defense and the administration of justice.

If you are passionate about public service, committed to protecting individual rights, and interested in gaining practical experience in criminal defense, we encourage you to apply for the 2027 Spring, Summer, and Fall Externship Program.