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LOYOLA LAW SCHOOL 2006-2007 HANDBOOK FOR …
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Language: english
Created: Tue Nov 28 14:18:01 2006
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LOYOLA LAW SCHOOL
2006-2007
HANDBOOK FOR
JUDICIAL EXTERNS
A guide to the application process, the interview
process and other summer opportunities.
JUDICIAL EXTERNSHIP HANDBOOK
This handbook contains information to assist you in applying for a
judicial externship during the summer or during the academic year.
Individual counseling is not available in the Externship Department for
students who plan to volunteer for the externship as opposed to taking the
externship for units. Please read this material carefully to enhance your
chances for success in securing a judicial externship.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
I. Introduction: The Application Process In Judicial Chambers
II. Sample Cover Letter and Cover Letter Errors
III. Referral Lists for Judges
a. U.S. Central District Federal Judges
b. U.S. Central District Magistrate Judges
c. U.S. Central District Bankruptcy Judges
d. Los Angeles area State Superior Court Judges
e. California Court of Appeals Judges
IV. What to Expect in an Interview with a Judge
V. Opportunities Other than Judicial Externships, including
Opportunities on Campus
INTRODUCTION TO THE APPLICATION PROCESS
IN JUDICIAL CHAMBERS
Students who work in judicial chambers are usually referred to as "interns" or
"law clerks." Students perform tasks such as case file evaluation, legal research and
writing, and/or preparation of memoranda to assist the judge or the graduate law clerks in
the chambers to evaluate specific legal issues raised in case pleadings.
Both state courts and federal courts seek summer interns as well as interns during
the academic year for upper division students. Referral sheets for all courts requesting
Loyola students are included in this Handbook. None of the positions are paid positions.
Virtually all of the courts accept volunteers who can commit to a regular schedule if you
cannot or do not wish to pay for summer units for the experience. Judicial externships
during the academic year do not cost extra; those units are included as part of day or
evening tuition. The Federal Central District courts are frequently the courts receiving the
highest number of applications, not only from Loyola students but also from students in
other area ABA law schools. For that reason, do not overlook courts such as the federal
bankruptcy courts, the federal magistrate courts and the various state superior courts, all
of whom usually want students and offer excellent opportunities to top applicants.
The following procedures are recommended in applying for a judicial internship,
whether as a summer volunteer or as an extern during the academic year for upper
division students:
1. IF YOU ARE A CONTINUING STUDENT: Grades matter to judges. If
you are an advanced student and your GPA is not at or near the mean of
3.00, you may not be successful with your application at this point in your
law school career. You might want to consider a government agency or
public interest opportunity while you get your grades up.
2. IF YOU ARE FIRST YEAR DAY OR EVENING STUDENT
LOOKING FOR A SUMMER JUDICIAL OPPORTUNITY: Many
judges, especially superior court judges, will accept first year students who
have completed the first year of studies for a summer judicial externship.
Please be aware that judges will not accept a summer application until
December 1, 2006. This means you will not be able to provide grades unless
you wait to apply in late January when you may have some grades. Waiting
will probably put you at a disadvantage; an earlier application without grades
is the wisest course. You usually do not have to send more than 25-30
applications; if those applications do not generate several calls from judges
interested in interviewing you by the end of January, then you are probably
not competitive at this point in your legal career, although you certainly may
be later. Look into other summer opportunities offered by Loyola, such as
the Summer Public Interest Employment Program (described in the
Public Interest section of the LLS web site) or volunteer opportunities with
public interest agencies or government agencies.
3. Update your resume and have it approved and registered with the Office of
Career Services.
4. Prepare a cover letter. A sample is included in this handbook. Your letter
and resume should be printed on quality paper with a matching envelope.
The purpose of the cover letter is to convince the chambers that your skills
will be a benefit to them. Phrases like "I think this will be a good experience
for me" will not generate attention to your application.
5. Include a writing sample with each application: A writing sample should
indicate your proficiency with legal writing and bluebook legal citation
form. Be sure you send the most polished sample of which you are capable.
6. Transcripts and/or grades: Most judges recognize that first year students
applying in December do not have grades, although they may request them
later (in January). This means you must do your best to distinguish yourself
in your cover letter and resume. Some judges will ask you to send your Fall
grades as soon as they are available. As for upper division students, some
judges will require a transcript, others will not. You may include exceptional
grades in your cover letter, but if the grades included are not final grades (for
example, a midterm grade), be very careful not to mislead as to the nature of
the grade in your cover letter.
7. If you are called for an interview: Dress professionally in a dark suit. See
What to Expect in an Interview with a Judge included in this Handbook.
8. If you are offered a position: Accept it! It is never acceptable behavior to
delay accepting an offer because you think you may prefer to be somewhere
else! Don't go to an interview unless you are prepared and happy to assist
the chambers selecting you for the interview. Given the volume of
applications most courts receive each summer, it is an honor to be invited for
an interview. Treat any offer as an honor and give it the respect it deserves.
Your personal reputation and the reputation of the Law School will be
affected by your behavior.
WARNING: Do not make a commitment to continue a judicial externship into the
Fall semester if you are volunteering during the summer after your first year. 2D
students still have required curriculum and it is difficult to find enough full days free to
provide satisfactory services to judicial chambers. Students receive no preference in class
scheduling for any externship, so be aware and be warned. It is your reputation that will
be hurt if you hastily make a commitment to a judge for the Fall semester and then cannot
follow through with it because of required curriculum.
Sample Cover Letter
Cover letters for purposes of externship applications are formal job applications.
They should look professional and be typed. They should be no longer than one page. A
cover letter can be accomplished in three paragraphs. Here are some suggestions:
SARAH L. STUDENT
919 Albany Dr.
Los Angeles, CA 90015
213/555-1234
Voicemail: 213/736-1234
{PRIVATE }Internet: Sarah.student@lls.edu{tc \l 1 "Internet\:
Sarah.student@lls.edu"}
Date:
The Honorable Larry M. Loyola
United States District Court
Central District of California
312 N. Spring Street
Los Angeles, CA 90012
RE: Externship Application
Dear Judge Loyola:
First paragraph note: the first paragraph identifies who you are and clearly states
what you are applying for and when. It might look something like this:
I am a first year [or upper division or third year, if applicable] Loyola Law School
student, and I am seeking an externship in your chambers [or in the California Department
of Corporations, or office of the District Attorney, etc., if appropriate] for the summer (or
Fall semester, etc.) of 20___, which begins in late May. My resume is enclosed for your
review.
Second paragraph note: This paragraph is your chance to sell yourself or highlight
any skills or experiences making you unique. We don't provide sample language here
because it is important that you individualize your letter. It doesn't do any good to say
something like "I think an externship will be a valuable experience." Of course it will, but
the point is that you need to convince the judge or attorney to whom you are applying that
you will be a benefit to them. You might consider including such things as:
(1) Prior work experience: Obviously legal experience is more compelling than non-
legal, but if you don't have legal experience, then point to non-legal experience,
stressing the fact that you have a work ethic, understand the importance of
thoroughness, pay attention to detail, did well in your legal writing course, etc.
(2) Completion of certain courses or exceptional grades: As to upper division
applicants, most judges prefer that you have completed a course in Evidence, and
many Federal judges appreciate the completion of the advanced Constitutional Law
course. If you are applying to specialized agencies such as the Dept. of Corporations,
or the SEC, then it is helpful to point out that you have completed or will have
completed relevant courses. If you have advanced class standing, or an exceptional
grade in evidence, or civil procedure, (or a high grade in criminal law or procedure if
you are applying to an agency dealing with criminal law) you might mention those
exceptional grades.
(3) Other activities that point to your initiative: Supervising attorneys and judges
look for students who are "self-starters" and work well independently without
constant supervision. Did you establish or administer any programs in college or in
your past life before law school (if indeed there is life before law school)? Are you
active in any student associations in law school? Do you have an accounting or
engineering background requiring precision and attention to detail? Do you have
any management experience in your background? You get the picture.
Third paragraph note: Here's where you ask for an interview and offer references
and writing samples. Include or offer your transcript if you have one and if it works to your
advantage. You also want to thank the judge or lawyer for considering you. It's usually a
good idea to include a message number here, so you can be reached easily. The last
paragraph might look like this:
I look forward to hearing from you and would appreciate an interview at your
earliest convenience. A brief writing sample (and transcript, if appropriate) is/are enclosed.
References are available upon request. You may reach me or leave a message anytime at
__________, or I will follow up with you shortly. Thank you for your consideration.
Respectfully yours, (if your letter is to a judge, or "Very truly yours" if your letter is to an
attorney other than a judge)
Sarah L. Student
*Remember, the suggested language is just a sample. Be sure and revise it so that it suits
your own particular style.
Cover Letter Errors
Students always make the same common errors in writing a cover letter. In
evaluating your own letter after the first draft, put yourself in the shoes of the judge or
attorney to whom you are applying. Would your letter impress you? Have you used your
resume to the best possible advantage? In short, would your letter convince you to hire
you? If it might, it is probably because your letter convinces the attorney or judge that
your unique blend of skills will make the employer's job (or the judge's job) easier
because you are coming on board. That's really the key here successful job and
externship applicants convince the employer in a cover letter that an interview is
warranted because the attitudes and skills demonstrated by the applicant will make life
easier in the workplace.
Here are some common mistakes and how to deal with them:
1. Grammar errors: Proofread for grammatical errors! Why would a judge hire
you to write legal memoranda if you can't write a grammatically correct
application letter?
2. Spelling errors: There is no excuse for spelling errors and no excuse for
relying on a spell check function exclusively. One student spelled Loyola as
"Loyla" on his resume and sent it with his cover letter! Another student wrote
that he/she wanted to learn how to draft a "compotent" motion. Pretty much
tells you all you need to know, doesn't it? Into the circular file....
3. Effusive complimentary language: Lots of students think effusive
compliments impress the judge. Students will say "I have a deep respect for
the judicial system, and for your chambers; I know this will be an opportunity
for me to work with the finest." Judges know that most students don't have
the slightest idea who they are as individuals, and have probably never been in
judicial chambers before, so this is non-helpful language just empty filler in
place of solid qualifications.
4. Too much emphasis on undergraduate education and activities: The judge
is not really that interested in what you did as an undergraduate, unless those
activities demonstrate attention to detail, strong work ethic, organizational
ability or time management skills. Most judges or employers, if they are
interested at the outset, will pick up those undergraduate activities from the
resume. This is not to say those activities are not useful in the cover letter.
They are, if they can be linked to the skills necessary in the workplace. Select
them carefully.
5. Ineffective use of the resume: Very often 1L students say "But I don't have
any legal experience. What do I put in paragraph 2 (the paragraph where you
sell yourself)?" Most judges know that 1L students probably won't have much
actual legal experience unless they were employed as paralegals or legal
support staff before law school. So what is there in your background? Did you
take a year of accounting? Did you work as an office manager prior to coming
to law school, or organize a child care center or work long hours in a battered
women's center? Here's how you might utilize such experience in a cover
letter:
"As you will note from my resume, although I do not have legal
experience prior to law school, I do have a broad range of accounting and
organizational skills. My accounting career impressed upon me the critical
importance of attention to detail and thoroughness in every task a skill
that has translated well into the skills necessary for success in law school.
Additionally, as I experience the rigors of law school, my strong work
ethic and skills of time management are invaluable. I am confident I will
be an asset in your chambers."
Or, "As you will note from my resume, although I do not have legal
experience prior to law school, I did work as a general office manager for
a General Electric subsidiary. I developed strong time management and
organizational skills, as well as good "people" skills. I was considered not
only a good team player myself, but one able to motivate others to join the
team. I am confident that my demonstrated work ethic, my organizational
skills and my willingness to work as a team player will make me an asset
in your chambers."
Or even: "As you will note from my resume, I do not have legal
experience prior to law school. However, as you will further note, I
worked in a broad range of offices and companies throughout my
undergraduate years, including many hours counseling battered women.
Working while in school requires excellent time management skills that
have served me well so far in law school. I am also adaptable, have good
communication skills and a solid work ethic."
It is genuinely pointless for a letter to gush on about what a tremendous
opportunity it will be to work in chambers, and how ready you are to observe the
inner workings of the legal world. Of course it will be a good experience for you;
it is your job to convince the judge or supervising attorney it will be a good
experience for him or her to hire you!
6/06
UNITED STATES CENTRAL DISTRICT REFERRAL LIST, LOS
ANGELES
All judges request a cover letter, resume, transcript and brief writing sample. You must have a
Social Security number and a valid drivers license for the federal security check.
The following Central District judges are located at: United States District Court
Central District of California
312 N. Spring Street
Los Angeles, CA 90012
The Honorable Dean D. Pregerson
213/894-3913
The Honorable John F. Walter The Honorable Ronald S. W. Lew
213/894-5396 213/894-2682
The Honorable Robert M. Takasugi The Honorable George P. Schiavelli
Senior District Judge 213/894-2719
213/894-5858
The Honorable Edward Rafeedie The Honorable A. Howard Matz
Senior District Judge 213/894-5283
213/894-3453
The Honorable Stephen V. Wilson The Honorable Christina A. Snyder
213/894-2881 213/894-3433
The Honorable Percy Anderson The Honorable Consuelo B. Marshall
213/894-1795 Chief District Judge
213/894-5288
The Honorable S. James Otero The Honorable William D. Keller
213/894-1796 Senior District Judge
213/ 894-5350
The following Central District judges are located at: U.S. District Court
Central District of California
Edward R. Roybal Federal Building
The Honorable Gary A. Feess 255 E. Temple Street
213/894-3840 Los Angeles, CA 90012
The Honorable George H. King The Honorable Florence Marie Cooper
213/894-6907 213/894-1782
*must work Mon-Wed., 7 hrs. each day
The Honorable Audrey B. Collins The Honorable Margaret Morrow
213/894-3759 213/894-7857
The Honorable Gary Klausner The Honorable Dale S. Fischer
213/894-2649 213/894-0435
The Honorable Dickran Tevrizian
213/894-3538
UNITED STATES CENTRAL DISTRICT COURTS, OTHER AREAS
CENTRAL DISTRICT SANTA ANA U.S. District Court
Central District of California
411 West Fourth Street, Ste. 1053
Santa Ana, CA 92701
The Honorable Alicemarie H. Stotler The Honorable David O. Carter
714/338-4758 714/338-4543
The Honorable James V. Selna The Honorable Cormac J. Carney
714/338-2848 714/338-2849
The Honrable Andrew J. Guilford
714-338-4710
CENTRAL DISTRICT RIVERSIDE U.S. District Court
Central District of California
3470 Twelfth Street
Riverside, CA 92501-3000
The Honorable Virginia Phillips
951/328-4461
6/06 CENTRAL DISTRICT BANKRUPTCY REFERRAL LIST
Insert "The Honorable" before all Bankruptcy Judge names. Address your cover letter as follows:
The Honorable _________
U. S. Bankruptcy Judge
U.S. Central District Bankruptcy Court
Address
City, State and Zip
CENTRAL DISTRICT LOS ANGELES
Los Angeles (Downtown) Offices Edward R. Roybal
Federal Building
255 E. Temple Street
Los Angeles, CA 90012
Samuel L. Bufford Thomas B. Donovan Ellen Carroll Alan Ahart
213/894-0992 213/894-3728 213/894-4034 213/894-3745
Theodor C. Albert Ernest M. Robles Sheri Bluebond Vincent P. Zurzolo
213/894-2552 213/894-1522 213/894-8980 213/894-3755
Barry Russell Richard M. Neiter Victoria S. Kaufman
Chief Judge 213/894-5860 213/894-2552
213/894-6091
San Fernando Valley (Woodland Hills) Division Office: 21041 Burbank Blvd.
Woodland Hills, CA
91367
Geraldine Mund Kathleen T. Lax Maureen A. Tighe
818/587-2840 818/587-2823 818/587-2815
CENTRAL DISTRICT - SANTA BARBARA 1415 State Street
Santa Barbara, CA
93101
Robin L. Riblet
805/884-4860
CENTRAL DISTRICT RIVERSIDE 3420 Twelfth Street
Riverside, CA 92501
Mitchel R. Goldberg Meredith A. Jury David N. Naugle Peter H. Carroll
951/774-1026 951/774-1043 951/774-1021 951/774-1031
CENTRAL DISTRICT - SANTA ANA 411 W. Fourth Street
Santa Ana, CA 92701
John E. Ryan Robert W. Alberts James N. Barr Erithe A. Smith
714/338-5450 714/338-5420 714/338-5430 714/338-5440
6/06
CENTRAL DISTRICT FEDERAL MAGISTRATE REFERRALS
The duties of Magistrate Judges include conducting preliminary proceedings in criminal cases, the
trial and disposition of misdemeanor cases, conducting pretrial matters and evidentiary proceedings on
delegation from judges of the District Court, the trial and disposition of civil cases upon consent of the
litigants, habeus corpus petitions and other matters as may be assigned. Magistrate Judges are appointed
by the Judges of the District Court. The term of office is eight years, and Magistrate Judges may be re-
appointed to subsequent terms.
Insert "The Honorable" before all Magistrate Judge names. Address all Magistrate Judges as follows:
The Honorable _______
U.S. Magistrate Judge (or Special Title)
United States District Court
Central District of California
Address
City, State & Zip
The following Magistrate Judges have offices in the Spring Street Federal Courthouse:
312 N. Spring Street
Los Angeles, CA 90012
Charles F. Eick Suzanne H. Segal Fernando M. Olguin
213/894-5234 213/894-0958 213/894-0215
Jeffrey W. Johnson Rosalyn Chapman Margaret Ann Nagle Jennifer T. Lum
213/894-5369 213/894-7103 213/894-8285 213/894-0216
Paul L. Abrams Victor B. Kenton Patrick J. Walsh Jacqueline Chooljian
213/894-7103 213/894-1831 213/894-8958 213/8942921
The following Magistrate Judges have chambers in the Edward R. Roybal Federal Building:
255 E. Temple Street
Los Angeles CA, 90012
Andrew J. Wistrich Stephen J. Hillman Carolyn Turchin
213/894-6509 213/894-6487 213/894-6513
Carla M. Woehrle Ralph Zarefsky
213/894-6825 Chief U.S. Magistrate Judge
213/894-8256
The following Magistrate Judges have offices in Santa Ana:
411 West 4th Street, Ste. 1053, Santa Ana, CA 92701
Marc L. Goldman Arthur Nakazato Robert N. Block
714/338-4755 714/338-4756 714/338-4754
The following Magistrate Judges have offices in Riverside:
3470 Twelfth Street, Riverside, CA 92501
Stephen G. Larson Oswald Parada
951/328-4464 951/328-4463
LOS ANGELES AREA STATE COURT REFERRALS
Los Angeles Superior Court
These courts are all "fast track" civil courts. They handle a wide array of civil
matters from filing of the matter through trial, if necessary. First contact is never
appropriate by telephone. Please send a cover letter, resume and brief writing sample
(blue book citation form) to the supervising research attorney for the courts and she will
place students with judges requesting them. To apply in this manner, send your materials
to:
Ms. Nicole Heeseman email at: nheesema@lasuperiorcourt.org
Supervising Research Attorney
Los Angeles Superior Court
111 North Hill Street
Los Angeles, CA 90012
213/974-7743
Or, if you are interested in these courts, send a cover letter, resume and brief writing
sample directly to the address below:
Juvenile Court - Monterey Park Complex/long cause civil litigation
Michael Nash, Presiding Judge The Honorable Carl J. West
Los Angeles Superior Ct.,Juvenile Div. Judge of the Superior Court
Edmund D. Edelman Children's Court Central Civil West
201 Centre Plaza Dr. 600 Commonwealth Ave.
Monterey Park, CA 91754 Los Angeles, CA 90005
213/526-6377 Fax: 213/881-3794 213/351-8610
Send resume, cover letter, writing The Honorable Charles W. McCoy
sample. Attn: Research Attorneys 213/351-8580
Superior Court, Orange County
Send cover letter, resume and brief writing sample (blue book form) to:
The Honorable Peter J. Polos
Judge of the Superior Court
Superior Court of California, County of Orange
700 Civic Center Drive West
P.O. Box 1994
Santa Ana, CA 92702-1994
6/06
CALIFORNIA COURT OF APPEAL REFERRAL LIST
LOS ANGELES AREA:
The California Court of Appeal, located in Los Angeles, offers law students the
opportunity to participate in the work of the appellate court and to prepare legal
memoranda and opinions under the supervision of an appellate justice.
Applications should be submitted:
For the Spring program, by mid-October
For the Summer program, by March 1
For the Fall program, by mid-March
A complete application should include:
A cover letter indicating the approximate number of hours per week the student is
available, as well as the anticipated start and completion date;
A resume;
A legal writing sample;
Class ranking, or in the case of an unranked first year student, a transcript.
Submit all applications to:
The Honorable Paul Boland, Director
Judicial Externship Program
California Court of Appeal
300 South Spring Street, South Tower
Los Angeles, CA 90013
ORANGE COUNTY AREA:
Submit complete applications to:
The Honorable William F. Rylaarsdam
Associate Justice
California Courts of Appeal
925 N. Spurgeon Street
P.O. Box 22055
Santa Ana, CA 92702
WHAT TO EXPECT IN AN INTERVIEW WITH A JUDGE
Congratulations. You sent your applications and now you have some interviews
scheduled. If you plan on taking a judicial externship for units, you have presumably also
already filed an application on time with the Externship Department and been pre-
approved for eligibility for your externship. If you are volunteering for the summer, you
need not contact the Externship Department.
How should I prepare for the interview?
The truly prepared interviewee has done some homework. "Homework" means the
following:
The Externship Office may have a "Judicial Profile" prepared by the daily legal
newspaper, the Daily Journal. If so, request a copy and read it.
"Google" the judge with whom you have an interview. The internet usually turns
up a wealth of information.
Do a LexisNexis search for the judge's name to learn whether he or she has
presided over a high-profile case, where she has spoken and the topic she
addressed. Look for anything else the newspapers might have reported recently.
For Federal Judges, search the LexisNexis "Career;jclerk" database for your
judge. Do a LexisNexis or Westlaw search of legal periodicals to learn whether
your judge has published an article. A judge who takes the time to write an article
very likely cares a great deal about the subject.
Do a LexisNexis search of published opinions.
Talk to students, professors or lawyers who may be familiar with the judge.
Anticipate questions that may be asked and prepare responses (see below).
What can I expect in an interview?
The interview often includes an initial interview with the current clerks for the
judge, followed by a meeting with the judge. Clerks often play a key role in the selection
of externs, and sometimes are delegated by the judge to make the final decision. They
should be approached seriously and professionally. Other staff members, including
secretaries, may be asked for input on hiring decisions and should also be treated with
respect. It goes without saying that you should dress professionally in a dark business suit
and be on time.
It is impossible to predict what the judge and/or clerk(s) will want to talk about or
what kind of questions they may wish to ask. Some may want to talk about your law
school experience, why you went to law school, your career goals, etc. Most will ask why
you want to extern in the court of your choice. Think about it. Are you looking for
exposure to a wide area of legal practice? Are you interested in the process of judicial
decision making? Are you interested in seeing first hand the practice of law by lawyers
and courts, and the written and oral advocacy involved? It is rarely an impressive answer
to say something like "I think the experience will be valuable in terms of improving my
writing and research skills." Of course it will be! It is your primary job to convince the
judge and the clerks that you are prepared with the skills to make their jobs easier you
are a team player, work well without supervision, have a good work ethic, etc. Remember
also that during an interview, the judge and clerks are not only evaluating you on whether
you can perform the work. They also want to learn whether they would enjoy working
closely with you in a structured work environment, often with fast-paced court calendars.
To that end, you should be as relaxed and congenial as possible.
You might have questions of your own to ask for example, their expectations
concerning days and hours required of externs. If, by the conclusion of the interview, the
clerks or the judge don't indicate the date of any decision, it is appropriate for you to ask
the date upon which they expect to make decisions on externs. When you leave an
interview, tell the clerks or the judge that you are confident you will be an asset to the
chambers.
All interviews should be immediately acknowledged with a thank you letter.
What if I am offered a position?
Accept it! Unlike offers for employment in the private sector, you usually do not
have the opportunity to collect several offers before ultimately selecting one. Some
judges may allow a short window of time to allow a student to accept an offer, but this is
the exception and not the rule. If you receive an offer from a second choice judge, you
might politely ask "May I give you an answer on Tuesday?" (within two days of the
interview), but if the answer is no, be prepared to accept on the spot. Attempt to plan your
interviews in order of your preference, if possible, to avoid such a situation. Exercise
great caution if you ask for time to make a decision; judges and clerks within the same
building often exchange notes on prospective externs, and you may run the risk of
offending the judge or the clerks who made an initial offer. Unhappy judges have been
known to revoke offers or contact the law school; the best attitude to adopt is equanimity
happily accept the first extended offer.
What do I do after I accept a position?
Offers are usually made by phone, although some chambers send a written offer
letter. Return the call promptly, accept the offer and follow up with a letter expressing
enthusiasm and indicating the date upon which you expect to start. If you have any
interviews pending, contact all chambers, thank them, and withdraw your name from
consideration. If you plan to enroll for units, contact the Externship Department and
provide them with a copy of your written offer. They will then assist you in enrolling for
units. Good Luck!
SUMMER OPPORTUNITIES OTHER THAN JUDICIAL
EXTERNSHIPS
PAID PUBLIC INTEREST JOBS:
Loyola provides federal work-study funding for seventy public interest and government jobs each
summer. You must be eligible for federal work-study and apply for it by the summer deadline, usually in
early March. More than half of the 70 jobs last summer went to first year students. Information is available
on the Public Interest Department web site on the LLS web site. Deadlines will also be posted in the online
newsletter In Brief. Public Interest job referral lists are available in the Public Interest Department,
Founders Hall, 2nd Floor.
SUMMER EXTERNSHIPS FOR UNITS:
Day and evening first year students can enroll in externships for unit credit in judicial chambers,
government agencies and public interest law firms. Evening students who must attend classes in the
summer to graduate on schedule find this program useful. Summer externships are not paid positions; in
fact, you pay Loyola tuition for each unit. There is a two-unit minimum and a six-unit maximum.
Information about available opportunities and application procedures is always available at the Externship
Department website on the LLS website and in the Externship Department, Founders Hall, 2nd Foor.
PRO BONO VOLUNTEERS:
Lots of public interest agencies need volunteers, and by providing forty hours of verified services,
you automatically complete your pro bono graduation requirement. Further information and detailed
referral lists are available on the Public Interest website and in the Public Interest Department, Founders
Hall.
VOLUNTEERING IN GOVERNMENT AGENCIES AND JUDICIAL CHAMBERS:
If you can't afford to pay for summer units, lots of judges, government agencies and public
interest law firms gladly accept summer volunteers for students who can commit to a regular work
schedule. Information is always available on the Externship website on the LLS website. Electronic referral
lists for government agencies and public interest firms may be requested by emailing
barbara.blanco@lls.edu.
DO LEGAL RESEARCH FOR A PROFESSOR OR WORK IN A CAMPUS DEPARTMENT:
If you are work-study eligible, you can apply to do research during the summer for Loyola
professors, or you can apply to work in many campus departments such as the Library, the
Externship/Public Interest Department or the Development Office. Professors or departments seeking
applicants for research assistants or working students usually advertise in the online newsletter In Brief or
request resumes via the Electronic Board on campus.
ON-CAMPUS CLINICAL OPPORTUNITIES
(All opportunities satisfy the Law School Pro Bono Requirement)
Disability Rights Legal Center:
The Disability Rights Legal Center is an on-campus legal clinic providing free legal services to
people with disabilities who experienced discrimination as a result of their disability. Law student externs
develop practical litigation and client-relation skills by working with staff attorneys on litigation with far-
reaching practical and precedent setting effects. The Center handles cases ranging from housing and
employment discrimination access to public services and private businesses. Apply at the offices on
campus. See also the Civil Rights Litigation Project at the same location.
Contact: Eve Hill, Ex. Director, 736-1031 Location: Founder's Hall, Rm. 214
Education Advocacy Project
The Education Advocacy Project advocates for students with learning disabilities to receive
special education services to which they may be entitled, including individualized education plans,
mediation and/or due process proceedings. The Project also conducts outreach and training for parents so
they can become effective advocates for their children.
Contact: Program Director, 213/736-8366 Location: Founder's Hall, Rm. 214
The Center for Conflict Resolution
The Center for Conflict Resolution provides mediation, conciliation and facilitation (ADR)
services, as well as conflict resolution training services to the communities adjacent to the Law School, to
law students and to Law School faculty and staff. The Center offers a public interest clinical opportunity to
Loyola students year-round. The CCR asks for a two-semester commitment. Following extensive training,
students do direct intake work and provide conciliation services to live clients. Apply at the CCR.
Contact: Professor Mary Culbert, 213/ 736-1145 Location: Casassa Building, First Fl.
The Disability Mediation Center
The DMC is an on-campus mediation and conciliation project. The center mediates and
conciliates cases involving compliance with federal and state discrimination laws, such as the Americans
With Disabilities Act, and/or any other commercial, employment, workplace, business, landlord-tenant,
contract, or education dispute involving a party with a disability. Law students receive training in
mediation and conciliation skills and process. Students observe and participate in all aspects of the
Center's work from initial intake to conciliation or mediation. Apply at the DMC.
Contact: Daniela Saza-Kaneko, Director, 213/736-8104 Location: Founder's Hall, Rm. 214
The Cancer Legal Resource Center
The CLRC is an on-campus community-based resource program working with a pro bono panel of
attorneys providing information and education outreach on legal issues to people with cancer, cancer
survivors, care givers, health care providers and employers. Law students handle direct intake, conduct
research, develop informational materials and participate in community outreach seminars. Apply at the
Center
Contact: Barbara Schwerin, Director, 213/736-1455 Location: Founder's Hall, Rm. 214
Center for Juvenile Law and Policy
The Center for Juvenile Law and Policy was created to foster systemic reform of the Los Angeles
juvenile justice system by participating in and encouraging research, discussion and advocacy. Students
represent children charged with criminal acts in the Los Angeles County Superior Court Juvenile Division
in Inglewood. Students are responsible for all aspects of representation, including interviewing, negotiation,
investigation, discovery, trial advocacy, sentencing and post disposition. Contact Roxanne Hill, Program
Administrator (736-8339 or Roxanne.Hill@lls.edu) for clinic application. Bring a resume
Director: Cyn Yamashiro (Cyn.Yamashiro@lls.edu) Location: C508 (Fifth Fl.), Casassa Building