Judicial Externships

The court welcomes students from law schools around the San Francisco Bay Area and the country who choose to complement their law school coursework with judicial externships.

The Summer Judicial Externship Program at the Court of Appeal, Sixth Appellate District welcomes law student applicants for Summer 2024. The application and selection period will begin on January 8, 2024, and end on March 22, 2024. Candidates are strongly encouraged to apply as early as possible starting January 8, 2024.

Tentatively, the externship program will start on May 30, 2024, and end on August 2, 2024. Each extern will be assigned to the chambers of a participating justice. This externship will give the selected law students an opportunity to learn about the work of a state appellate court, particularly the role of a judicial staff attorney. The availability of law school credit will be at the discretion of the participating justice. While the court does not offer monetary compensation, students are encouraged to research whether they are eligible for funding through a law school program.

How to Apply

The online application will ask you for:

  1. Contact Information; and
  2. Supporting documents:
    • Cover Letter; 
    • Resume;
    • Legal writing sample (no more than 10 pages);
    • Law school Transcript (optional); and
    • References / Letters of Recommendation (optional).

Tips for Navigating the Online Application

  • Have all of your materials ready prior to beginning the application.
  • Do not use your browser's back or forward buttons to navigate the site; instead use the site's built-in buttons.
  • Be sure to use the latest version of your preferred browser.
  • If you encounter any issues while submitting your application, please e-mail 6DC-Extern@jud.ca.gov

Applicant Requirements

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 22, 2024.

Acknowledgements

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.