Summer Law Clerk

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La Follette Johnson De Haas

Posted 3 months ago

Internship

Sacramento, California

In Person

Smart Summary

Responsibilities

Summer Law Clerks will assist attorneys with litigation-related tasks such as conducting legal research, drafting motions, and preparing case summaries. They will also observe depositions and hearings while participating in internal training and mentorship sessions.

Qualifications

Job Description

La Follette, Johnson, DeHaas, Fesler & Ames is a statewide civil litigation firm with over 60 years of defense law excellence. Founded by John T. La Follette and Daren T. Johnson, the Firm first began practicing law in Los Angeles in 1965, and specializes in medical malpractice, elder abuse, general liability, employment law and products liability. Since its inception, the Firm has grown into one of California’s largest, most recognized and experienced defense law firms, with multiple offices throughout California.

LJDFA is seeking 4 to 6 motivated Summer Law Clerks to join the firm for an eight-week summer program beginning around June 8, 2026 and concluding around August 7, 2026. This position focuses on defending healthcare providers and institutions in complex medical negligence litigation. This opportunity is open to all current law students and post-bar applicants with a preference for candidates interested in civil litigation and long-term opportunities with the firm. Successful clerks will be prioritized for post-graduate clerkships and associate positions upon Bar admission.

Our goal is to create a substantive summer experience that gives law students meaningful exposure to litigation practice, attorney mentorship, and the day-to-day work of a busy defense firm. Each law clerk will work closely with senior attorneys on active matters and will receive practical training designed to develop strong legal research, writing, and case management skills.

The firm hopes to identify strong candidates for continued law clerk work during the academic year and, ultimately, potential post-graduation associate opportunities.

Primary Responsibilities
 Summer Law Clerks will assist attorneys with a wide range of litigation-related tasks, which may include:

  • Conducting legal research on procedural, evidentiary, discovery, and substantive issues
  • Drafting research memoranda, correspondence, and portions of motions and briefs
  • Assisting with discovery, including written discovery, document review, and issue analysis
  • Preparing case summaries, medical chronologies, deposition summaries, and witness outlines
  • Observing depositions, hearings, mediations, and other litigation proceedings when available
  • Assisting with trial preparation and organization of case materials
  • Supporting attorneys with fact investigation and development of case strategy
  • Participating in attorney mentoring sessions and internal training opportunities

Qualifications
 Candidates should possess:

  • Strong academic credentials in Civil Procedure, Torts, Evidence, and Legal Research and Writing
  • Excellent legal research, writing, and analytical skills
  • Demonstrate strong grammar and precise legal citations in all written work
  • Strong attention to detail and organizational ability
  • Professionalism, reliability, and responsiveness
  • Display an ability to balance multiple projects simultaneously while meeting strict deadlines
  • Proficiency in Microsoft, Westlaw/Lexis, and PDF optimization
  • Interest in litigation and civil defense practice

To Apply
 Please submit:

  • Resume
  • Writing sample
  • Cover letter

Cover letters should be addressed to Tiffany Sala, Esq., Director of Recruitment

La Follette, Johnson, DeHaas, Fesler & Ames is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to providing a diverse and inclusive workplace. Employment decisions are based on business needs, job requirements, and individual qualifications, without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, marital status, national origin, ancestry, age, disability, medical condition, genetic information, military or veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws.

We are committed to providing reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities and for sincerely held religious beliefs in accordance with applicable laws.

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La Follette Johnson De Haas

STABILITY For more than 50 years, LaFollette Johnson has been the preeminent civil litigation firm in California. Our clients trust our successful track record and are confident that we'll be there to represent them – today and tomorrow. When potential liability visits you or your company, trust your defense to those who have been there many times before–the lawyers of LaFollette Johnson. TRIAL EXPERIENCE When the stakes are high, you deserve the representation only a courtroom-experienced trial lawyer can provide. The trial attorneys of LaFollette Johnson have earned their reputation for excellence in the hard-fought trenches of trial. This experience provides you the kind of credible representation you need in these uncertain times. CREDIBILITY Clients benefit from our longstanding relationships with the public and private judiciaries throughout the State of California. When you choose to be represented by LaFollette Johnson, opposing counsel will know that he or she is in for a tough, but fair, battle. Our reputation for professionalism, ethics, courtesy and civility help to ensure timely and successful case management and resolution. STATEWIDE REACH With offices in Los Angeles, Orange County, Northern California, Riverside, and San Diego, LaFollette Johnson is the foremost resource to respond to your legal needs throughout the state of California. LOS ANGELES 865 South Figueroa Street, 32nd Floor Los Angeles, California 90017-5431 Phone: (213) 426-3600 Fax: (213) 426-3650 ORANGE COUNTY 2677 North Main Street, 9th Floor Santa Ana, California 92705-6632 Phone: (714) 558-7008 NORTHERN CALIFORNIA 655 University Avenue, Suite 119 Sacramento, CA 95825-6746 Phone: (916) 563-3100 INLAND EMPIRE 2280 Market Street, Suite 140 Riverside, California 92501-3642 Phone: (951) 275-9192 SAN DIEGO 501 West Broadway, Suite 1075 San Diego, California 92101-3546 Phone: (619) 719-4700 www.LJDFA.com https://www.facebook.com/ljdfa
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