Law Students
The United States Attorney's Office for the Central District of California provides opportunities to law students on summer recess, and during the fall and spring semesters. This is known as an "extern" appointment and duty is on a volunteer (non-paid) basis. Externs work in all of the Criminal, Civil and Tax Divisions. Assignments may include assisting AUSAs with legal research, writing pleadings, trial preparation, completing appellate briefs, and responding to habeas corpus petitions. Externs are encouraged to observe trials and other court proceedings in cases on which they have worked or in cases of general interest in the office. Externs who qualify to practice under the district court's student practice rules may also handle motions hearings and trials of misdemeanors and petty offenses.
For an externship during the summer (June through August), applications should be submitted no later than December 15 of the previous calendar year (e.g. applications for the summer of 2009 should be received by December 15, 2008). Applications for semester externships must be received on a similar schedule. For fall semester externships, applications should be submitted no later than March 15; for spring semester extenships, applications should be submitted no later than September 15 of the prior year. All externs undergo a partial background investigation before entering on duty.
Law students wishing to apply for an externship should submit a resume, cover letter, and writing sample to the division(s) of their choice, as follows:
Criminal Externship
Richard Lee
Assistant U.S. Attorney
Criminal Division
U.S. Courthouse, Suite 1500
312 N. Spring Street
Los Angeles, CA 90012
Civil Externship
Julie Zatz
Assistant U.S. Attorney
Assistant Chief, Civil Division
Federal Building, Suite 7516
300 N. Los Angeles Street
Los Angeles, CA 90012
Tax Externship
Sandra Brown
Assistant U.S. Attorney
Chief, Tax Division
Federal Building, Suite 7211
300 N. Los Angeles Street
Los Angeles, CA 90012