Court Programs - Applications

The Summer Judicial Externship Program at the Court of Appeal, Sixth Appellate District welcomes law student applicants for Summer 2024. The application and selection period will begin on January 8, 2024, and end on March 22, 2024. Candidates are strongly encouraged to apply as early as possible starting January 8, 2024.

Tentatively, the externship program will start on May 30, 2024, and end on August 2, 2024. Each extern will be assigned to the chambers of a participating justice. This externship will give the selected law students an opportunity to learn about the work of a state appellate court, particularly the role of a judicial staff attorney. The availability of law school credit will be at the discretion of the participating justice. While the court does not offer monetary compensation, students are encouraged to research whether they are eligible for funding through a law school program.

APPLYING FOR THE SUMMER JUDICIAL EXTERNSHIP PROGRAM

The Court of Appeal, Sixth Appellate District is located in San Jose, California. The Summer Judicial Externship Program 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/or writ petitions, examining trial court records, conducting legal research, and drafting opinions and/or memoranda. In addition to weekly training sessions, externs will also have the opportunity to observe oral argument before the Court of Appeal. Selected externs should expect a mixture of remote (e.g., Teams and Zoom) and in-person meetings during the summer.

Applications may be submitted online through the portal below and will not be accepted after March 22, 2024. Applications must include a cover letter, resume, and legal writing sample. Law school transcripts and references are optional. Letters of recommendation are not required, but will be accepted with the application.

Only completed applications will be electronically circulated to the participating justices for their consideration. Selected candidates will be contacted to participate in interviews and final decisions will be made by early April 2024.

Applicant Requirements

Candidates must have completed first- or second-year law school coursework by the time the externship begins. A minimum commitment of 20 hours per week is required. Applications are due by March 22, 2024.

Acknowledgements

The Court of Appeal, Sixth Appellate District, gratefully acknowledges the First Appellate District and the United States District Court for the Northern District of California, whose help made this Judicial Externship Online Submission page possible.