Law Clerks - Sacramento Legislation and Public Information Unit

Law Clerks - Sacramento Legislation and Public Information Unit

Winter, Spring, Summer & Fall
Paid, volunteer and clinical positions available

Disability Rights California is a nonprofit public interest law firm federally mandated to protect the legal, civil and service rights of Californians with disabilities. Established in 1978, we initially served only Californians with developmental disabilities such as intellectual disability and autism. In 1986, we expanded our services to Californians with mental health disabilities. We now serve all Californians with disabilities – physical, mental health, sensory and developmental. DRC is the largest disability rights organization in the United States. Our legislative work is an important component of DRC’s advocacy.

Each year we work on many important legislative issues involving the rights of individuals with disabilities – including the right to live and work in the community rather than in institutions, children’s rights to special education and related services, the right to be free from abuse and neglect, the right to appropriate mental health treatment, and the right to benefits, long term services and support and health care. Members of the California legislature, people with disabilities and other advocates look to Disability Rights California for our breadth and depth of knowledge about disability rights.

Law clerks in the Legislation and Public Information unit will carry a diverse workload which will help develop traditional legal skills and skills in working with the legislature and government agencies. Law clerks will also gain substantive knowledge regarding the systems and laws affecting the lives of individuals with disabilities.

Law clerks will have the opportunity to draft:

  •  Analyses of legislation
  • Initial position statements and letters on legislation
  • Amendments to legislation
  • Language for sponsored legislation
  • legislative hearing testimony
  •  Comments on proposed regulatory actions

Law clerks will also

  • Conduct legal research
  • Coordinate legislative advocacy with our partners in the community
  • Perform Other duties as assigned

Although some paid positions are available, preference is given to work study, volunteer and clinical/externship students. In addition, our attorneys are willing to assist students develop grant proposals and fellowship applications.

Clerks work approximately 12 weeks per term. Clerks are expected to work 12 to 15 hours per week. To apply, send a resume, writing sample and references to:

Curtis Child 
Legislative Director
1831 K Street
Sacramento, CA 95811-4114