California Law Fellowship Program.

Existing law authorizes certain internship and fellowship programs, as specified. This bill would establish the California Law Fellowship Program for the purpose of offering licensed attorneys limited-term placement opportunities in public sector legal positions within the executive, legislative, and judicial branches of state government and encouraging each participating attorney to seek permanent employment in the public sector at the conclusion of his or her fellowship, as specified. Existing law, commonly known as the Code of Ethics, prohibits a Member of the Legislature or an employee of either house of the Legislature from receiving or agreeing to receive, directly or indirectly, any compensation, reward, or gift from any source except the State of California for any service, advice, assistance, or other matter related to the legislative process, except for specified circumstances. This bill would provide that the services of an attorney participating in the California Law Fellowship Program are not compensation, a reward, or a gift to a Member of the Legislature for purposes of the so-called Code of Ethics. The bill would also provide that an attorney participating in the program is not an employee of either house of the Legislature for purposes of the Code of Ethics.