Attorney General Neronha Opens Application Period for 2024 Clifton Clerkship Program Published on Monday, December 04, 2023 The Office of Attorney General Peter F. Neronha announced today the Office is now accepting applications for its 2024 William C. Clifton, Sr. Clerkship program. Named for Judge William C. Clifton, Sr., the first African American Special Assistant Attorney General in the Attorney General’s Office, the Clifton Clerkship Program provides first- and second-year law students from historically underrepresented populations with the opportunity to spend the summer working on substantive legal matters while building valuable career experience. Since the program’s inception in 2019, the clerkship has attracted talented students from a variety of law schools, including Harvard, Boston College, and Roger Williams University. Clerks have gained hands-on experience and made valuable contributions while assigned to a variety of units in both the civil and criminal division—including the Office’s Civil Rights Prosecution Unit and Environmental and Energy Unit. Each year, the Clifton Clerks develop a capstone project, focusing on legal and policy issues, with support and direction from the Attorney General’s policy team. “Clifton Clerks have advanced our Office’s work in so many important ways,” said Attorney General Neronha. “I am continuously grateful for the opportunity to spend time with them, hear their thoughts regarding the work and direction of the Office, and learn about their career aspirations. I am proud of this program, and believe it is integral in attracting talent that will make our already strong team even stronger.” About the program: The William C. Clifton, Sr. Clerkship Program is open to all qualified applicants but is designed to provide qualified members of diverse groups and persons with disabilities with summer opportunities in the Attorney General’s Office where these groups have been underrepresented. Students who have faced social and/or economic disadvantages on their path toward the practice of law, first-generation law students, students from unique educational and family circumstances, and individuals who have overcome significant obstacles are encouraged to apply. Over a 10-week, full-time program, law students will split their time between the Office’s Criminal and Civil Divisions and receive legal assignments in their areas of interest. Students in the program will be assigned a mentor and attend educational and networking events to help them gain exposure to, and build relationships with, members of the legal community. In order to ensure that financial constraints do not prevent qualified individuals from participating, each selected law student will receive a stipend of approximately $3,000 for the summer clerkship. How to apply: To apply for the Clerkship, students must complete the application form found on the Attorney General’s website and submit the following materials: Resume Unofficial copy of law school transcript Personal statement Personal statements should respond to the prompt on the application and should not exceed one page. All application materials should be submitted as PDF files via email to Cliftonclerkship@riag.ri.gov no later than January 1, 2024. All finalists will be invited to interview before final selections are made. Applicants may direct questions about applying to Cliftonclerkship@riag.ri.gov. ###