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CO
CITY OF SUNNYVALE, CA
Legal Fellow (Post-Bar)
Entry-Level JobVerifiedNo experience needed
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What they do
A Law Clerk assists judges with research and other legal and administrative work, particularly for cases to be decided in court. Organizes legal files, researches laws and prior decisions, reviews briefs submitted by attorneys. May draft and file legal documents or assist litigation attorneys. Works in a short term position typically held by law students or recent law school graduates
$135,613 / year median in California
+7% projected growth
Job Description
Job Description Description Casual Employment Opportunity The position opens Tuesday, August 4, 2026, and the final filing date is Tuesday September 1, 2026, at 5:00 pm or after receiving 100 qualified and complete applications, whichever is first.
Supplemental Questionnaire.
Cover letter explaining interest in this positionResume Writing sampleLaw school transcriptLetter of recommendation (optional)
Duration/Schedule:
25 hours/week (up to 900 hours per fiscal year), following graduation from law school and completion of bar examination. Flexible, hybrid schedule (in office and remote based on operationaI needs) The Legal Fellow is a temporary, paid position designed for recent law school graduates who have completed the bar examination and are awaiting bar admission or are newly admitted to practice. The position is designed to provide fellows with practical, hands-on experience in municipal law under the supervision of experienced attorneys, while supporting the legal needs of a small city attorney's office. The Fellow will work under the direct supervision of the City Attorney and designated Senior Assistant and Assistant City Attorneys. Work will include shadowing and assisting attorneys with routine legal work including but not limited to legal research, drafting, contract review, public records review and responses, and advising City departments. This position is intended as a training opportunity and will emphasize professional development through attorney review and supervision of the Fellow's work, feedback and coaching, exposure to a range of municipal legal issues, opportunities to attend internal and public meetings, and increasing responsibility as skills develop. The ideal candidate will be a self-starter with strong communication and legal analysis skills, the ability to work independently and take ownership, and an interest in municipal law. The fellow can expect to experience the following: assigning attorney supervision, discussions of legal issues and strategy as it relates to assignments; inclusion in meetings to observe attorney-client discussions and decision-making; defined expectations and establishment of deadlines; prompt review of work; constructive feedback, regular check-ins; increasing complexity and independence of assignments as experience is gained. Essential Job Functions (May include, but are not limited to, the following): Conduct legal research on municipal, constitutional, administrative, employment, land use, open meetings, public records, procurement, and other areas of local government law. Draft legal memoranda, ordinances, resolutions, contracts, and similar legal documents. Assist with responses to public records requests Review proposed policies and procedures for legal compliance Support attorneys in advising City departments and staff on legal matters (shadow attorneys at meetings, etc.) Draft presentations, training materials, and updates for City staff Observe hearings, negotiations, public meetings, and similar proceedings to gain practical experience Perform other duties consistent with the educational and skills goals of the fellowshipWORKING CONDITIONS
Position requires prolonged sitting, standing, walking, reaching, twisting, turning, kneeling, bending, squatting and stooping in the performance of daily activities. The position also requires grasping, repetitive hand movement and fine coordination in using a computer keyboard. Additionally, the position requires near and far vision in reading written reports and work related documents and using a computer. Acute hearing is required when providing phone and personal customer service. The need to lift, drag and push files, paper, books and documents weighing up to 25 pounds is also required. Some of these requirements may be accommodated for otherwise qualified individuals requiring and requesting such accommodation. Minimum Qualifications J.D. from an ASA-accredited law school Completion of a state bar examination (California preferred) Excellent legal research, writing, analytical skills Strong verbal, interpersonal, and written communication skills Ability to take initiative, manage multiple assignments, and meet deadlines Demonstrated professionalism, sound judgment, and attention to detailDESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS
Coursework, experience, or demonstrated interest in municipal/public sector law Internship or clinical experience developing practical law skills and effective communication Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, Expectations Strong legal research skills and persuasive writing abilities Ability to take initiative, work independently, and commitment to learning and improvement Experience using Westlaw, Microsoft Office programs Maintain confidentiality; exercise professional judgment Take ownership of assigned projects (think critically, research new issues, ask thoughtful questions, meet deadlines, effectively manage time) Comfortable working remotely (Teams, Zoom) with coworkers and clients Typical Assignments The Fellow will be given substantive legal work whenever possible, with review and supervision by the assigning attorney.Examples of assignments may include:
Legal research questions and written summaries or legal memoranda Drafting ordinances and resolutions Contract and policy review and drafting Support for public records act requests and review of documents potentially responsive to public records requests Developing training materials for staff and assisting attorneys with trainings Attending client meetings Special projects as assigned Application and Selection Process If you are interested in this outstanding opportunity, you must complete the following steps. Submit a completed City of Sunnyvale application packet, which consists of: City of Sunnyvale Employment Application.Supplemental Questionnaire.
Cover letter explaining interest in this positionResume Writing sampleLaw school transcriptLetter of recommendation (optional)