Summer Law Clerkship - 2027

<p><strong><span data-contrast="auto">You: </span></strong><span data-contrast="auto">A motivated and liberty-minded law student dedicated to individual freedom. You came to law school with a vision—to fight for your principles and make a difference. You want to learn about the world of public-interest law from the best.  </span><span data-ccp-props="{"335559738":240,"335559739":240}"> </span></p>
<p><strong><span data-contrast="auto">Them:</span></strong><span data-contrast="auto"> Bureaucrats, city councils, mayors, governors, and federal agencies are stripping Americans of their rights every day. There's a lot of government overreach out there, and it's backed by seemingly endless resources. But fortunately, like all lumbering giants, abusive government is most vulnerable when countered by individuals who act strategically and nimbly, take calculated risks, have each other's backs, and are confident in, and passionate for, the cause—the very sort of swashbucklers we employ in spades here at PLF.  </span><span data-ccp-props="{"335559738":240,"335559739":240}"> </span></p>
<p><strong><span data-contrast="auto">Us:</span></strong><span data-contrast="auto"> We fight back. Pacific Legal Foundation is the nation's first and most successful public interest law firm dedicated to vindicating individual liberty. PLF has an unmatched record in the United States Supreme Court, with 18 victories out of 21 cases litigated at the Court. We also have more than 200 active cases across the nation.  </span><span data-ccp-props="{"335559738":240,"335559739":240}"> </span></p>
<p><span data-contrast="auto">We’re a next-generation public interest law firm that challenges convention, adapts to a changing landscape, and strives to set the standard for what’s possible in legal advocacy.</span><span data-ccp-props="{"335559738":240,"335559739":240}"> </span></p>
<p><strong><span data-contrast="auto">About PLF's Summer Clerk Program</span></strong><span data-contrast="auto"> </span><span data-ccp-props="{"335559738":240,"335559739":240}"> </span></p>
<p><span data-contrast="auto">PLF's Summer Clerk Program introduces you to public-interest law, immerses you in active litigation, and offers you a unique chance to study the constitutional and philosophical framework of liberty. You will benefit from hands-on training as you perform legal research and writing projects in PLF's four litigation areas: property rights, equality and opportunity, separation of powers, and environment and natural resources. This is a </span><strong><span data-contrast="auto">full-time, paid summer position of $22/hour, including transportation benefits and wellness leave. </span></strong><span data-contrast="auto"> </span><span data-ccp-props="{"335559738":240,"335559739":240}"> </span></p>
<p><strong><span data-contrast="auto">What makes this program different</span></strong><span data-contrast="auto">: </span><span data-ccp-props="{"335559738":240,"335559739":240}"> </span></p>
<ul>
<li data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="2" data-list-defn-props="{"335552541":1,"335559685":720,"335559991":360,"469769226":"Symbol","469769242":[8226],"469777803":"left","469777804":"","469777815":"hybridMultilevel"}" data-aria-posinset="1" data-aria-level="1"><strong><span data-contrast="auto">Assignments:</span></strong><span data-contrast="auto"> Our confidence in individualism extends to how we set assignments, and this is often cited as one of the best aspects of the program. You will not only have the opportunity to work across all four practice areas, but you will also get to choose most of your assignments. Your designated supervisor will ensure you receive feedback, guide you in managing your work, and offer advice and expertise. We create the environment and opportunity for you to craft your experience, and clerks who get the most out of the program are the ones who embrace this mentality. </span><span data-ccp-props="{"335559739":0}"> </span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="2" data-list-defn-props="{"335552541":1,"335559685":720,"335559991":360,"469769226":"Symbol","469769242":[8226],"469777803":"left","469777804":"","469777815":"hybridMultilevel"}" data-aria-posinset="2" data-aria-level="1"><strong><span data-contrast="auto">Weekly Programming:</span></strong><span data-contrast="auto"> Every week, you will participate in educational and social activities to supplement your connection to PLF, the world of public interest law, and your fellow clerks. This includes field trips around the DC area, moot courts, department introductions, and deep-dive conversations with PLF attorneys on cases and litigation strategy.    </span><span data-ccp-props="{"335559739":0}"> </span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="2" data-list-defn-props="{"335552541":1,"335559685":720,"335559991":360,"469769226":"Symbol","469769242":[8226],"469777803":"left","469777804":"","469777815":"hybridMultilevel"}" data-aria-posinset="3" data-aria-level="1"><strong><span data-contrast="auto">Networking and Mentorship:</span></strong><span data-contrast="auto"> One of the most important things at this stage of your career is to build relationships, so we </span><em><span data-contrast="auto">strongly</span></em><span data-contrast="auto"> encourage all clerks to set aside time to connect with other PLFers. Many clerks naturally build mentorship relationships beyond their supervisor through working with other attorneys, and we offer a mentorship program if there is a specific area of PLF's work you are most interested in.  </span><span data-ccp-props="{"335559739":0}"> </span></li>
</ul>
<p><strong><span data-contrast="auto">Your specific job duties will likely include: </span></strong> <span data-ccp-props="{"335559738":240,"335559739":240}"> </span></p>
<ul>
<li data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="3" data-list-defn-props="{"335552541":1,"335559685":720,"335559991":360,"469769226":"Symbol","469769242":[8226],"469777803":"left","469777804":"","469777815":"hybridMultilevel"}" data-aria-posinset="1" data-aria-level="1"><span data-contrast="auto">Drafting legal memoranda on research questions for active trial and appellate litigation.  </span></li>
<li data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="3" data-list-defn-props="{"335552541":1,"335559685":720,"335559991":360,"469769226":"Symbol","469769242":[8226],"469777803":"left","469777804":"","469777815":"hybridMultilevel"}" data-aria-posinset="1" data-aria-level="1">Assisting in drafting motions and briefs before federal and state courts.  <span data-ccp-props="{"335559739":0}"> </span></li>
<li data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="3" data-list-defn-props="{"335552541":1,"335559685":720,"335559991":360,"469769226":"Symbol","469769242":[8226],"469777803":"left","469777804":"","469777815":"hybridMultilevel"}" data-aria-posinset="1" data-aria-level="1">Contributing to the discovery process across all four of our practice areas.  <span data-ccp-props="{"335559739":0}"> </span></li>
</ul>
<p><strong><span data-contrast="auto">This role is ideal for someone with: </span></strong><span data-contrast="auto"> </span><span data-ccp-props="{"335559738":240,"335559739":240}"> </span></p>
<ul>
<li data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="5" data-list-defn-props="{"335552541":1,"335559685":720,"335559991":360,"469769226":"Symbol","469769242":[8226],"469777803":"left","469777804":"","469777815":"hybridMultilevel"}" data-aria-posinset="1" data-aria-level="1"><span data-contrast="auto">One to two years of law school completed by the spring or summer of 2026.  </span></li>
<li data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="5" data-list-defn-props="{"335552541":1,"335559685":720,"335559991":360,"469769226":"Symbol","469769242":[8226],"469777803":"left","469777804":"","469777815":"hybridMultilevel"}" data-aria-posinset="1" data-aria-level="1">Excellent writing and legal research skills.  <span data-ccp-props="{"335559739":0}"> </span></li>
<li data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="5" data-list-defn-props="{"335552541":1,"335559685":720,"335559991":360,"469769226":"Symbol","469769242":[8226],"469777803":"left","469777804":"","469777815":"hybridMultilevel"}" data-aria-posinset="1" data-aria-level="1">A demonstrated interest in the philosophical and constitutional principles of individual liberty.  <span data-ccp-props="{"335559739":0}"> </span></li>
</ul>
<p><strong><span data-contrast="auto">Program Dates & Location</span></strong><span data-contrast="auto">:  </span><span data-ccp-props="{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"201341983":0,"335551550":1,"335551620":1,"335559685":0,"335559737":0,"335559738":240,"335559739":240,"335559740":279}"> </span></p>
<ul>
<li data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="1" data-list-defn-props="{"335552541":1,"335559685":720,"335559991":360,"469769226":"Symbol","469769242":[8226],"469777803":"left","469777804":"","469777815":"hybridMultilevel"}" data-aria-posinset="1" data-aria-level="1"><span data-contrast="auto">The clerkship will run from </span><strong><span data-contrast="auto">June 2nd to August 20th</span></strong><span data-contrast="auto">. If this end date conflicts with other commitments, you have the option of ending your clerkship </span><strong><span data-contrast="auto">on August 13th</span></strong> <span data-contrast="auto">instead. </span></li>
<li data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="1" data-list-defn-props="{"335552541":1,"335559685":720,"335559991":360,"469769226":"Symbol","469769242":[8226],"469777803":"left","469777804":"","469777815":"hybridMultilevel"}" data-aria-posinset="1" data-aria-level="1">On <strong><span data-contrast="auto">June 2nd and 3rd</span></strong><span data-contrast="auto">, we will host an Opening Summit in our DC Office. All clerks are expected to attend. Accommodation may be made for those participating in complimentary fellowships if advance notice is given.   </span><span data-ccp-props="{"335559739":0}"> </span></li>
<li data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="1" data-list-defn-props="{"335552541":1,"335559685":720,"335559991":360,"469769226":"Symbol","469769242":[8226],"469777803":"left","469777804":"","469777815":"hybridMultilevel"}" data-aria-posinset="1" data-aria-level="1">Participants are expected to work at least three days a week from our DC Office in Arlington, Virginia, for the duration of the program.  <span data-ccp-props="{"335559739":0}"> </span></li>
</ul>
<p><strong><span data-contrast="auto">To Apply: </span></strong><span data-contrast="auto"> </span><span data-ccp-props="{"335559738":240,"335559739":240}"> </span></p>
<p><span data-contrast="auto">We will be accepting applications </span><strong><span data-contrast="auto">from October 9th to January 3rd</span></strong><span data-contrast="auto">. PLF will begin providing updates and reaching out to candidates for an interview the week of </span><strong><span data-contrast="auto">December 21st.</span></strong><span data-contrast="auto"> If you think you might be a good fit, please submit the following application materials: </span><span data-ccp-props="{"335559738":240,"335559739":240}"> </span></p>
<ul>
<li data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="4" data-list-defn-props="{"335552541":1,"335559685":720,"335559991":360,"469769226":"Symbol","469769242":[8226],"469777803":"left","469777804":"","469777815":"hybridMultilevel"}" data-aria-posinset="1" data-aria-level="1"><span data-contrast="auto">Your resume, including your relevant educational and professional experience</span></li>
<li data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="4" data-list-defn-props="{"335552541":1,"335559685":720,"335559991":360,"469769226":"Symbol","469769242":[8226],"469777803":"left","469777804":"","469777815":"hybridMultilevel"}" data-aria-posinset="1" data-aria-level="1">A cover letter explaining why PLF is the place for you, why you want to fight for liberty, and what distinguishes you from typical applicants <span data-ccp-props="{"335559739":0}"> </span></li>
<li data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="4" data-list-defn-props="{"335552541":1,"335559685":720,"335559991":360,"469769226":"Symbol","469769242":[8226],"469777803":"left","469777804":"","469777815":"hybridMultilevel"}" data-aria-posinset="1" data-aria-level="1">A legal writing sample that demonstrates your ability to research and analyze the law. Work completed for a law school course is welcome.<span data-ccp-props="{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"201341983":0,"335551550":1,"335551620":1,"335559685":720,"335559737":0,"335559738":0,"335559739":0,"335559740":279,"335559991":360}"> </span></li>
</ul>
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