Judicial Externships

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.

The application and selection period will begin on January 13, 2025, and end on March 21, 2025. Candidates are strongly encouraged to apply as early as possible starting January 13, 2025. Applications may be submitted online through the portal below and will not be accepted after March 21, 2025. 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 2025.

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 21, 2025.

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.