May 2014 grad Joscelyn Campbell II has secured a position at the San Diego Office of the Public Defender as a post bar law clerk. The Post Bar clerkship affords students the opportunity to experience the demanding practice of a public defender. The program is nationally recognized and is designed to give students not just an understanding of the criminal justice system, but also hands on experience with trial advocacy and representing misdemeanor clients. Campbell applied for the paid position along with over 300 other applicants, and was selected as 1 of the 11 post bar clerks. The program will begin on August 12th 2014, two weeks after the July 2014 California State Bar Examination.
Campbell has interned at the Public Defender’s office for his entire 3L year. In the Fall 2013 semester, he worked at the Office of the Primary Public Defender. There, he worked with attorneys who provide legal assistance to individuals charged with crimes in state court who are financially unable to retain private counsel. There, Campbell wrote and argued motions, and conducted preliminary hearings under attorney supervision. In the Spring 2014 semester, Campbell worked in the Multiple Conflicts Office, where he worked with attorneys representing people who were charged with the most complicated and serious homicide and special circumstance cases throughout San Diego County, and who were financially unable to retain private counsel. As a post bar, Campbell will work with attorneys in the Central Misdemeanor Unit of the Public Defender’s Office.
Campbell is excited for the opportunity. “It’s a real blessing to be selected for this position,” he says “it was a very competitive process, and I thank God that I was selected. I’ve worked at the Public Defender’s Office for about a year now and I’ve loved every minute of it. It is tough but rewarding work and I look forward to continuing to grow in the office, and hopefully secure a permanent position there.”
Campbell is thankful for all the help he received from Thomas Jefferson School of Law. “I am thankful for everything that TJSL has provided for me in securing this position,” said Campbell. “I’m thankful for the Trial Practice class I took while in school, and I’m also thankful for my Mock Trial teammates and coaches, Professors Lilys McCoy and Lea Fields-Bernard. My courtroom experience definitely helped me in securing this position.” Campbell is also thankful for the school’s Career Services Office. “Career Services was really critical in securing this position. I worked with Associate Director of Career Service Randy Reliford regularly, going over my resume and cover letter, doing mock interviews and constantly going over my job search strategy. This couldn’t have been done without Mr. Reliford, and I’m truly appreciative of him.”