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The Office of
Defense Services

Law Clerk Programs


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The Office of Defense Services offers law school students the opportunity to assist our attorneys in providing superior legal representation to indigent individuals and in advancing the cause of equal justice under the law. Our law clerk programs are designed to expose students to all aspects of criminal defense work, the Delaware courts and the Delaware criminal justice system. Law clerks experience and work in a hard-working criminal defense office consisting of experienced trial and appellate attorneys. Our clerks are considered integral members of the defense teams to which they are assigned.

Positions in our law clerk program are unpaid and available in our offices located in each of the counties in the state. Candidates are encouraged to obtain financial assistance through work study, grants or other sources. Academic credits may be available to students as well.

Summer Program

This is an 11-week program which runs between May and August each summer. Clerks in the summer program work approximately 30-40 hours per week. Before their first assignment, clerks undergo a one-week training course to learn about the Office of Defense Services, the Delaware courts, the criminal justice system and Delaware’s criminal law.

Law Clerk – I

There are a limited number of volunteer positions available each summer to students who have completed their first year of law school. These clerks assist attorneys in our trial and appellate units. Their duties include legal research and drafting pretrial motions and briefs. These duties provide excellent opportunities for students to strengthen their research and writing skills. These clerks also interview incarcerated and non-incarcerated clients. Additionally, they are encouraged to attend pretrial hearings, trials and appellate arguments.

Law Clerk – II

There are a limited number of volunteer positions available this summer to students who have completed their second year of law school. These clerks primarily prepare and try cases in Family Court. Their duties may also include legal research and drafting pretrial motions and briefs. To qualify for this program, students must meet the requirements set forth in Delaware Supreme Court Rule 56 for limited admission to the Delaware Bar. The ODS gives priority to students who have completed the summer program as a Law Clerk I or who have worked with us during the academic year.

Academic Year Program

There are a limited number of volunteer clerk positions available during the academic year.

Picture of a training session

Application Process

The Office of Defense Services seeks applicants with solid academic credentials, a strong work ethic, good social skills, initiative, adaptability and a dedication to ensuring that all individuals charged with a crime receive equal justice under the law.

Candidates for the summer clerk program should apply early because the selection process is very competitive and offers are extended as early as October.

To apply for either the summer or academic year programs, please submit the following documents:

  1. Law Clerk Application (click to access)
  2. Cover Letter
  3. Resume
  4. Transcript
  5. References
  6. Writing Sample (no more than 10 pages and preferably persuasive)

These documents can be submitted to Ross A. Flockerzie, Esq. via email at pdo.lawclerks@delaware.gov.

Applications for the summer program must be submitted by March 1.


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