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Fall 2026 Externship Opportunities with the Oregon Public Defense Commission

Position: Trial Extern

Locations: Portland, Salem & Medford, Oregon

Application Deadline: 08/23/2026 (UPDATED CLOSING DATE)

The Oregon Public Defense Commission (OPDC) is seeking highly motivated law students who are passionate about criminal defense and public service to serve as Student Law Clerks within the Trial Division.

These positions provide meaningful, hands on experience working alongside experienced public defense attorneys. Student Law Clerks assist with legal research, legal writing, case preparation, client-related work, courtroom observations, and other projects that support the delivery of high quality public defense services throughout Oregon.

This is an excellent opportunity for students interested in developing practical litigation skills while gaining firsthand exposure to indigent criminal defense.

Note: This is an unpaid externship opportunity intended for law students seeking practical experience in public defense. Externs are not considered employees of the Oregon Public Defense Commission and are not eligible for salary, wages, benefits, or other employment related compensation.

Minimum Qualifications

Applicants must:

• Be currently enrolled in an ABA accredited law school;

• Have successfully completed their first year of law school;

• Possess a valid driver's license;

• Demonstrate strong legal research and legal writing skills;

• Be legally authorized to work in the United States.

Preferred Qualifications

Successful applicants will demonstrate:

• Excellent legal research and writing abilities;

• Strong analytical and critical thinking skills;

• Sound problem solving abilities;

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills;

• Professional judgement and sound decision making;

• Initiative and self-motivation;

• Strong interpersonal skills

• The ability to work collaboratively as part of a legal team;

• A commitment to public service and serving diverse communities.

Required Application Materials

Applicants must submit all of the following:

• Resume

• Current Law School Transcript

• Academic Reference Letter

• Legal Writing Sample (5-10 pages)

• Applicant Statement (maximum 500 words)

Applicants who are currently on academic probation must also submit a letter of recommendation from the Dean of their law school.

Please respond to each of the following prompts in your applicant statement:

1. Why are you interested in serving as a Student Law Clerk with the Oregon Public Defense Commission?

2. How does this opportunity align with your professional and career goals?

3. Describe a significant challenge you have overcome.

• How did you approach the challenge?

• What did you learn from the experience?

As part of your application, please complete the supplemental questions indicating your preferred externship location. You may select Portland, Salem, or Medford. Every effort will be made to place selected candidates at their preferred location; however, placement is subject to office capacity and operational needs.

Selection Process

Applicants will be evaluated using a comprehensive review of their application materials and interview performance. Evaluation criteria include:

• Cover Letter

• Legal Writing Sample

• Applicant Statement

• Academic Reference

• Interview Responses

Interview Process

Candidates selected for interviews should be prepared to discuss topics including:

• Interest in public defense and criminal law

• Commitment to public service

• Professional judgement and ethics

• Communication skills

• Collaboration and teamwork

• Critical thinking and problem solving

• Adaptability and resilience

• Time management and organization

• Ability to receive, apply, and learn from constructive feedback

Why Join OPDC?

At the Oregon Public Defense Commission, Student Law Clerks gain practical experience while working alongside dedicated public defenders committed to ensuring high quality legal representation for every client. This clerkship provides valuable mentorship, meaningful legal experience, and an opportunity to make a tangible impact while preparing for a career in public defense or litigation.