Each summer, the City of Cleveland Department of Law seeks law students for unpaid legal clerkships. The position provides a unique and unforgettable opportunity to gain valuable work experience in a public sector environment that has produced a U.S. Supreme Court Justice and a federal cabinet secretary among other distinguished alumni. It is also a chance to assist attorneys who represent the City of Cleveland—and its mayor, council members, and departments—in transactional work and civil and criminal litigation.
Clerking for the 82+ lawyer Department of Law offers broad exposure to the legal profession in an environment widely renowned for its challenge, excellence, creativity, integrity, and decency. The Department of Law’s Civil Division is divided into six sections: Litigation; Health, Environment, and Enterprise Funds; Public Safety; Legislation and Finance; Real Estate and Development; and Code Enforcement. The Department’s Criminal Division prosecutes misdemeanor crimes in Cleveland and reviews felony cases to determine whether they should be bound over to a grand jury for county prosecution.
The Law Department’s summer program consists of: challenging work in a broad range of practice areas; instruction in governmental law; feedback on legal research and writing; profession-skills workshops; volunteering for the community; and guest speakers. Although the 2019 dates have not been finalized, the summer program generally runs from late May/early June through the first week of August. Positions are also available during the academic year in a less structured program. Note that due to budget constraints, all available positions in 2019 will be unpaid—but the rewards will be great. In addition, you may receive academic credit from your law school, use federal work-study dollars, receive a public-interest scholarship, or seek a stipend from an organization such as a bar association. The Law Department will assist in securing any necessary approvals, but the individual law clerks are primarily responsibility for making such compensation arrangements.
To apply, submit by email (1) a cover letter stating whether you are seeking a full-time summer or part-time (during the academic year) position, whether you prefer either the civil or criminal division; (2) a detailed résumé, and (3) one writing sample 5-8 pages in length to: John Bacevice; Department of Law; City Hall; 601 Lakeside Ave, Rm. 106; Cleveland, OH 44114-1077. No phone calls, please. Your application must contain all requested materials in order to be considered for a position. The deadline for submission is February 1, 2019.
Visit our web site at www.cleveland-oh.gov
Submit email to: jbacevice@city.cleveland.oh.us
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
Rev. 11/2018