The Court of Appeal, Fourth Appellate District, Division One offers an extern program for law students. Externs are selected by the individual justices with whom they then work for 20 to 40 hours per week during a school semester/trimester. The program, including an orientation and periodic group meetings, is administered by the Lead Appellate Court Attorney or designee acting as the Extern Coordinator. Students who participate as part of their school's extern program may earn course credit. The court's extern program is conducted during three sessions each year: Spring (January-May), Summer (June-August) and Fall (September-December).
The extern program provides law students with a clinical educational experience at the intermediate appellate level. Each student works in chambers, under supervision, in a role similar to that of a judicial staff attorney. The program offers judicial and staff accessibility and the opportunity to hone research and writing skills. To complement the practical experience, lectures are given on opinion writing and various substantive topics.
The court welcomes students from law schools around the San Diego Area and the country who choose to complement their law school coursework with judicial externships. Applications may be submitted online through the portal below, or candidates may submit a cover letter, resume, official transcript, and writing sample by mail or email. Email applications should be addressed to James Dalessio, Extern Coordinator, at 4dca1externcoordinator@jud.ca.gov. Mail applications should be directed to Mr. Dalessio at Court of Appeal, Fourth District, Division One, 750 B Street, Suite 300, San Diego, California 92101.
Qualified candidates will be chosen to participate in the interview phase and selections will then be made. Letters of recommendation are not required but will be accepted.
