Santa Clara County Counsel's Affirmative Litigation and Social Justice Section Summer Externship

The Affirmative Litigation and Social Justice Section of the Santa Clara County Counsel’s office is accepting applications for its Summer 2008 Honors Externship Program.

The Section brings impact litigation, drafts legislation and develops novel programs to ensure social and economic justice for county residents and to advance local, state and national public policy reform. Examples of the Section’s current cases include: suing lead paint manufacturers for abatement of the property damage resulting from lead paint in private and public buildings; challenging the State of California’s practice of terminating Medi-Cal eligibility when youth are incarcerated and failing to reinstate eligibility immediately when they are released; and seeking a writ of mandate requiring the Board of Equalization to tax “alcopops” – alcoholic energy drinks popular among young drinkers – at the higher rate applicable to spirits rather than at the lower rate applicable to beer.

Honors Program externs will work principally on developing new public policy impact litigation. As an integral part of the Affirmative Litigation and Social Justice Section, Honors Program externs will conduct factual investigations, develop litigation, do legal research, assist in drafting complaints and participate in ongoing litigation. Honors Program externships are available to second- and third-year students seeking to obtain law school credit or wishing to volunteer.

To apply, please mail a resume, a cover letter describing your relevant experience and interest in working through local government to advance the public interest, a writing sample, the names and telephone numbers of two references, and an informal law school transcript to Tamara Lange or send all materials in one email to tamara.lange@cco.sccgov.org.

Applications for Summer 2008 should be submitted by March 15th, but earlier applications will be considered on a rolling basis. Later applications may be considered if the positions have not yet been filled. The County of Santa Clara is an Equal Opportunity Employer.