Summer Law Clerk - Applications Closed for 2026 in Sacramento, California at La Follette Johnson DeHaas Fesler & Ames

Applications Closed: Due to high interest, we are no longer accepting applications for this position. Please look out for our Summer 2027 Law Clerk Program, opening this coming winter.

La Follette, Johnson, DeHaas, Fesler & Ames is a statewide civil litigation firm with over 60 years of defense law excellence. Founded by John T. La Follette and Daren T. Johnson, the Firm first began practicing law in Los Angeles in 1965, and specializes in medical malpractice, elder abuse, general liability, employment law and products liability. Since its inception, the Firm has grown into one of California’s largest, most recognized and experienced defense law firms, with multiple offices throughout California.

LJDFA is seeking 4 to 6 motivated Summer Law Clerks to join the firm for an eight-week summer program beginning around June 8, 2026 and concluding around August 7, 2026. This position focuses on defending healthcare providers and institutions in complex medical negligence litigation. This opportunity is open to all current law students and post-bar applicants with a preference for candidates interested in civil litigation and long-term opportunities with the firm. Successful clerks will be prioritized for post-graduate clerkships and associate positions upon Bar admission.

Our goal is to create a substantive summer experience that gives law students meaningful exposure to litigation practice, attorney mentorship, and the day-to-day work of a busy defense firm. Each law clerk will work closely with senior attorneys on active matters and will receive practical training designed to develop strong legal research, writing, and case management skills.

The firm hopes to identify strong candidates for continued law clerk work during the academic year and, ultimately, potential post-graduation associate opportunities.

Primary Responsibilities
Summer Law Clerks will assist attorneys with a wide range of litigation-related tasks, which may include:

• Conducting legal research on procedural, evidentiary, discovery, and substantive issues
• Drafting research memoranda, correspondence, and portions of motions and briefs
• Assisting with discovery, including written discovery, document review, and issue analysis
• Preparing case summaries, medical chronologies, deposition summaries, and witness outlines
• Observing depositions, hearings, mediations, and other litigation proceedings when available
• Assisting with trial preparation and organization of case materials
• Supporting attorneys with fact investigation and development of case strategy
• Participating in attorney mentoring sessions and internal training opportunities

Qualifications
Candidates should possess:

• Strong academic credentials in Civil Procedure, Torts, Evidence, and Legal Research and Writing
• Excellent legal research, writing, and analytical skills
• Demonstrate strong grammar and precise legal citations in all written work
• Strong attention to detail and organizational ability
• Professionalism, reliability, and responsiveness
• Display an ability to balance multiple projects simultaneously while meeting strict deadlines
• Proficiency in Microsoft, Westlaw/Lexis, and PDF optimization
• Interest in litigation and civil defense practice

To Apply
Please submit:

• Resume
• Writing sample
• Cover letter

Cover letters should be addressed to Tiffany Sala, Esq., Director of Recruitment

La Follette, Johnson, DeHaas, Fesler & Ames is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to providing a diverse and inclusive workplace. Employment decisions are based on business needs, job requirements, and individual qualifications, without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, marital status, national origin, ancestry, age, disability, medical condition, genetic information, military or veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws.

We are committed to providing reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities and for sincerely held religious beliefs in accordance with applicable laws.