Law Clerk – Spring Externship

UnCommon Law

Part-time law clerk supporting UnCommon Law’s trauma-informed parole advocacy for incarcerated people. Conducting legal research, drafting petitions, and assisting attorneys with client representation.

Posted 8/10/2026part-timeOakland • California • 🇺🇸 United StatesMid-LevelSeniorWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

Use this summary to align your resume positioning with the role.

Demonstrates strong written and verbal communication skills, with a focus on drafting legal documents and providing feedback. Exhibits exceptional organizational abilities and attention to detail while managing multiple projects in a legal environment.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Law Student StatusExcellent Written Communication SkillsExceptional Organizational SkillsWorking Proficiency in Microsoft WordDemonstrated Interest in Criminal Justice Reform

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Drafting Legal DocumentsResearching Legal IssuesAssembling Parole PacketsReviewing Case RecordsWriting MemosDrafting Habeas Petitions

Soft Skills

Compassion for Incarcerated PeopleAbility to Handle Multiple ProjectsProfessional DemeanorPleasant DispositionSensitivity to Confidential Matters

Tools & Technologies

Microsoft ExcelGoogle SuiteCRM Software

Certifications & Qualifications

Proof of Good Standing from School

Industry Keywords

Criminal Justice ReformParole HearingsLegal VisitsClient Consultations

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Work alongside Attorneys and Legal Assistants who represent clients in parole hearings
Draft follow-up communications and/or consultations to clients
Provide feedback on client writings
Support Attorneys in preparing for and attending legal visits and phone calls
Assemble Parole Packets for submission to the Board of Parole Hearings
Research and write memos about legal issues impacting clients or related policy
Review case records and prison files
Compile housing, employment, and other support resources for incarcerated clients
Draft habeas petitions
Respond to non-client mail
Update contact records and maintain the legal database

Requirements

What you’ll need

Law student status
Minimum 16–20 hours per week over a quarter or semester calendar
Commitment of at least 8 weeks
Compassion for incarcerated people and their family members
Demonstrated interest in criminal justice reform
Ability to handle multiple projects simultaneously
Excellent written and verbal communication skills
Professional demeanor and pleasant disposition
Exceptional organizational skills and attention to detail
Sensitivity to confidential matters
Working proficiency in Microsoft Word and Excel, Google Suite, and CRM software strongly preferred
Resume and tailored cover letter required
Writing sample required after an initial interview
Proof of good standing from the candidate’s school, in the form of a letter from the dean or school registrar, required

Benefits

Comp & perks

$1,000 stipend per semester to defray some costs
A higher stipend amount is available for Law Clerks who commit to additional hours
Opportunity to learn about the discretionary parole process, California prisons, and individual journeys through incarceration and release