Student Volunteer – Law (Fall 2026 / Spring 2027)

About the role

The California Appellate Project (CAP) seeks law students to volunteer in its San Francisco office during the Fall 2026 or Spring 2027 term. Volunteers will support capital‑case attorneys and gain hands‑on experience in appellate advocacy, criminal justice, and public‑interest law.

Key responsibilities

• Assist appointed counsel on post‑conviction death‑penalty cases, including habeas corpus and appellate filings.
• Provide case assistance to unrepresented individuals on death row.
• Monitor judicial and legislative developments affecting death‑penalty litigation.
• Help organize and deliver training seminars for capital‑defense professionals and law students.
• Contribute to the production of CAP publications such as newsletters, manuals, and brief banks.
• Conduct legal research, writing, mitigation investigation, and records collection under the guidance of experienced attorneys.

Required profile

• Current law student interested in appellate advocacy, criminal justice, or public‑interest law.
• Ability to work on a volunteer basis during the academic term, with options for academic credit or volunteer hours.
• Strong interest in death‑penalty defense and willingness to engage with diverse client communities.

Required skills

What we offer

• Mentorship from seasoned appellate attorneys.
• Practical experience in high‑stakes capital‑case work.
• Opportunity to earn academic credit or fulfill volunteer requirements.
• Exposure to a network of public‑interest legal professionals.