Student Externship - Bankruptcy Court, Eastern District of California

Student Externship Opportunity - United States Bankruptcy Court, Eastern District of California (Fresno)

Judicial Extern (full time or part time, 1 position) for Summer 2026. The position will be in person in Fresno, California. This is an unpaid externship but can qualify for clinical units for those students seeking to fulfill that elective requirement.

Overview

Externs will experience a taste of what it means to be a judicial law clerk. Selected candidates will help draft decisions for weekly law-and-motion calendars, attend hearings and trials, perform legal research, and assist with other duties of a judicial law clerk. The bulk of legal issues will be related to bankruptcy, the FRBP, the FRE, and the FRCP. Prior experience in bankruptcy or enrollment in a bankruptcy course, though helpful, is not required.

Students will experience what they will in every other field: assessment of the law and application of the facts.

Qualifications

• First, second, or third-year law student.
• Strong writing skills and understanding of how the legal system works.
• Ability to learn and work independently and expeditiously.
• Willing to commit a minimum of 20 hours weekly.

Application Process

Candidates must provide a resume, cover letter, current transcript, and writing sample of less than 5 pages. Candidates’ cover letters should specify the semester for which they are applying.

Interviews for Summer positions are scheduled for mid to late February. The Final date to receive applications has been set for Friday, February 27, 2026.

Applications may be emailed to Debbie Chavez, Judicial Assistant to the Honorable Judge Jennifer

E. Niemann , or mailed to the address provided below:

The Honorable Judge Jennifer

E. Niemann United States Bankruptcy Court
Eastern District of California 2500 Tulare Street, Ste. 2501
Fresno, CA 93721