Summer 2027 Law Clerk - Center for Gender & Refugee Studies

About the role

The Center for Gender and Refugee Studies (CGRS) at the University of California College of the Law, San Francisco, is seeking law student candidates for its Summer 2027 Law Clerk positions. The center supports attorneys representing asylum seekers, litigates before immigration agencies and federal courts, advances refugee law and policy, and works through domestic, regional and international mechanisms to address the root causes of persecution. The position is paid at $25 per hour.

Key responsibilities

• Research and write on key legal issues
• Assist in litigation before immigration courts, the Board of Immigration Appeals, federal courts of appeals, federal district courts and international forums
• Analyze emerging asylum law trends
• Develop training and technical assistance materials
• Conduct national policy work and engage in international human rights projects

Clerks work closely with CGRS lawyers and staff on other projects as needed. Availability of 40 hours per week for 10 weeks is required; start and end dates are to be agreed upon.

Required profile

• Demonstrated commitment to human rights and social justice
• Experience or background in asylum, immigration and/or international human rights law
• Completion of related coursework (asylum, immigration, human rights) strongly preferred
• Ability to work independently and within a team, and to protect the confidentiality of work and communications
• Fluency in Spanish is desirable but not required
• Strong preference for candidates who can work in person at the San Francisco office during the summer

Required skills

• Strong research and writing skills
• Ability to work with minimal supervision due to a small office and high volume of work

What we offer

• Paid at $25 per hour; if the clerk cannot secure funding elsewhere, the hourly rate is consistent with a research assistantship

Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis starting October 27, 2026. Applicants should submit a one-page cover letter, resume, a 5-10 page writing sample and a list of two references. No phone calls, please.