The Court of Appeal in Los Angeles offers first and second-year law students an opportunity to gain an understanding of the appellate decision-making process by participating in the work of a judicial chambers. Performed under the supervision of justices and research attorneys, the work includes reviewing appellate briefs and writ petitions, examining trial court records, conducting legal research, and drafting opinions and memoranda. Externs also participate in writ conferences, attend conferences before and after oral argument, and observe argument sessions.
A weekly seminar component – taught by justices, research attorneys, and appellate practitioners – provides instruction on the role of intermediate appellate courts in the development of the law, the principal aspects of the appellate process, the influence of oral argument in reaching a decision, and the post-argument decision-making process. The seminar component also instructs externs on effective opinion-writing techniques and provides constructive feedback on their work product during opinion-writing workshops.
In order to provide a context for understanding issues raised on appeal or by writ, externs also observe trial court proceedings and discuss the trial court decision-finding process with judges conducting those proceedings. Externs may also have the opportunity to observe oral argument before the Supreme Court. Post-argument discussions explore the procedural similarities and differences between the Supreme Court and the intermediate appellate courts.
Students interested in the program are invited to submit applications between December 2, 2019 and February 14, 2020. Applications received before December 2, 2019 will not be considered. Applications must include a cover letter, resume, legal writing sample, and, if available, law school transcript. Shortly after receipt of completed application packets, the applications will be electronically circulated to the 32 justices on the court for their consideration. The justices will make externship selections based upon a review of the applications and telephonic or in-person interviews.
Law students who wish to be considered for the summer program must electronically submit applications (including a cover letter, resume, writing sample, and transcript if available) in one pdf format document to: Brandi.Wahlstrom@jud.ca.gov (213-830-7315).