Fall 2026 Externship Opportunities with the Oregon Public Defense Commission

Initial Posting Date:

08/10/2026

Application Deadline:

08/16/2026

Agency:

Oregon Public Defense Commission

Salary Range:

Non-Paid Externship

Position Type:

Contingent Worker

Position Title:

Fall 2026 Externship Opportunities with the Oregon Public Defense Commission

Job Description:

Fall 2026 Externship Opportunities with the Oregon Public Defense Commission

Position: Trial Extern

Locations: Portland, Salem & Medford, Oregon

Application Deadline: 08/16/2026 (and may extend at any time)

The Oregon Public Defense Commission (OPDC) is seeking highly motivated law students who are passionate about criminal defense and public service to serve as Student Law Clerks within the Trial Division.

These positions provide meaningful, hands on experience working alongside experienced public defense attorneys. Student Law Clerks assist with legal research, legal writing, case preparation, client-related work, courtroom observations, and other projects that support the delivery of high quality public defense services throughout Oregon.

This is an excellent opportunity for students interested in developing practical litigation skills while gaining firsthand exposure to indigent criminal defense.

Note: This is an unpaid externship opportunity intended for law students seeking practical experience in public defense. Externs are not considered employees of the Oregon Public Defense Commission and are not eligible for salary, wages, benefits, or other employment related compensation.

Minimum Qualifications

Applicants must:

• Be currently enrolled in an ABA accredited law school;

• Have successfully completed their first year of law school;

• Possess a valid driver’s license;

• Demonstrate strong legal research and legal writing skills;

• Be legally authorized to work in the United States.

Preferred Qualifications

Successful applicants will demonstrate:

• Excellent legal research and writing abilities;

• Strong analytical and critical thinking skills;

• Sound problem solving abilities;

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills;

• Professional judgement and sound decision making;

• Initiative and self-motivation;

• Strong interpersonal skills

• The ability to work collaboratively as part of a legal team;

• A commitment to public service and serving diverse communities.

Required Application Materials

Applicants must submit all of the following:

• Resume

• Current Law School Transcript

• Academic Reference Letter

• Legal Writing Sample (5-10 pages)

• Applicant Statement (maximum 500 words)

Applicants who are currently on academic probation must also submit a letter of recommendation from the Dean of their law school.

Please respond to each of the following prompts in your applicant statement:

1. Why are you interested in serving as a Student Law Clerk with the Oregon Public Defense Commission?

2. How does this opportunity align with your professional and career goals?

3. Describe a significant challenge you have overcome.

• How did you approach the challenge?

• What did you learn from the experience?

As part of your applicati