California Tribal Families Coalition (CTFC) Legal Clerkship Opportunities
California Tribal Families Coalition (CTFC) is now accepting applications for CTFC legal clerkships for 2L and 3L law students. We will also consider 1L applicants if they can demonstrate lived experience, related work, or training in the areas of Indian Law or child welfare. These paid clerkships are made possible through generous funding from the Yuhaaviatam of San Manuel Nation and may also be eligible for academic credit, subject to law school approval.
Priority Deadlines:
- Fall: July 15
- Spring: November 1 
- Summer: October 15
- PLEASE NOTE: Summer 2026 Clerk application materials are due October 15, 2025!
Qualified applicants will be invited to virtual interviews on a rolling basis.
About Our Organization & Clerkship Work:
The CTFC team focuses on high impact work, community driven needs identification with a focus on high needs stakeholders currently focused on systems change in child welfare, juvenile justice, and developmental disability systems. We are looking for engaged and driven individuals that thrive in a collaborative environment, seek mentorship and learning and enjoy creative problem-solving. The clerkship projects will vary. Past projects have included drafting state court briefs, research and writing an opposition to appellate case de-publication, developing training materials on state law, and drafting legal and policy strategy for legislation. We seek to have the clerkship result in an excellent writing sample and involve opportunities for oral advocacy.
Who We’re Looking For:
We seek law students with lived experience in tribal communities and/or a demonstrated interest in federal Indian law, tribal law, or child welfare. Our team engages in high-impact work and community-driven advocacy, focusing on systems change in child welfare, juvenile justice, and developmental disability systems.
How to Apply:
Send the following to clerkapp@caltribalfamilies.org:
- Cover Letter РPlease highlight relevant experience or interests that are not reflected in the resum̩, especially if there is a unique area of focus within the CTFC mission the applicant is interested in.
- Resum̩ РPlease include contact information for at least two references.
- Unofficial Transcripts
- Writing Sample
Qualified applicants will be invited to virtual interviews on a rolling basis. The clerkship is remote, though travel opportunities may be available for interested students.
For questions, contact CTFCÂ at clerkapp@caltribalfamilies.org.
We look forward to your application!
