Current Employment Opportunities

Appellate Positions

(Archived Job Descriptions Pre 2006)  

• Court Administrator/Clerk

• Assistant Administrator/Clerk

• Appellate Court Attorneys/Legal Counsel

Court Administrator/Clerk

COURT EXECUTIVE 3B: Appellate Division, AOC, Trenton, NJ. Summary: The New Jersey Judiciary is seeking an innovative, service-oriented leader with strong analytical and managerial skills. The individual selected for this position will direct and manage all staff operations of the New Jersey Judiciary’s Appellate Division. Duties: The Clerk is responsible for the oversight and leadership of all operations in three major areas of responsibility: Case Management (7,000 appeals filed annually); Administrative Services (transcript production, facilities, personnel, information technology and budget); and Central Appellate Research. The selected candidate will be expected to develop goals and strategies for accomplishing objectives; analyze current case processing methods; devise streamlined and expedited workflow systems, and implement new processes while assuring a high level of quality control. This individual will effectively manage and develop approximately 200 professional and support staff; work directly with the judges in the exercise of their non-adjudicative duties; lead the Appellate Division staff in providing support to the 35 Appellate Division judges; serve on various management and policy committees; and assure excellent service to attorneys and litigants. The Clerk is appointed by the Supreme Court and reports to the Presiding Judge for Administration of the Appellate Division. Qualifications: Graduation from an accredited college or university with a bachelor’s degree. Seven years of management experience, five of which shall have included responsibility for the development and management of budgets, staff, information systems and administrative operations; development and implementation of programs, policies and procedures; and supervision of professional staff. Applicants who do not possess the required education may substitute experience on a year-for-year basis. A master’s degree may be substituted for one year of experience. A law degree may be substituted for two years of experience as indicated above. Experience in Court administration, especially at the Appellate level, is helpful. Salary: $86,700 - $118,830. (2005)

COURT ADMINISTRATOR: Summary: Under administrative direction, manages all activities and facilities and directly supervises subordinate management staff. Develops and presents budget requests before legislative bodies and local governments. Participates in short and long-term planning for the court. Duties: Plans, organizes and coordinates functions related to fiscal programs, budget, human resources, information systems and various court programs. Hires, trains, evaluates, and disciplines subordinate staff. Prepares and submits courts operating budget. Analyzes court dockets and operations and develops and implements processes to improve case management and court services. Develops local rules, policies and procedures. Serves as a liaison to the state legislature, county and city governments, law enforcement agencies and the media. Provides testimony to the state legislature. Oversees facilities management and planning including allocating space, overseeing maintenance and modifications, awarding service contracts and negotiating leases. Qualifications: Bachelor's degree in business or public administration or related field and eight years experience in court management including three years of supervisory experience. Knowledge of human resource management, information systems and facilities management; legislative processes; budgeting rules, regulations, policies and procedures; auditing and financial management methods; and customer service practices.                                                                                                                    

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COURT EXECUTIVE 3b: Appellate Division, Trenton, New Jersey. Summary: The New Jersey Judiciary is seeking an innovate, service-oriented leader with strong analytical and managerial skills.  The individual selected for this position will direct and mange all staff operations of the New Jersey Judiciary's Appellate Division. Duties: The Clerk is responsible for oversight and leadership of all operations in three major areas of responsibility: Case Management (7,000 appeals filed annually); Administrative Services (transcript production, facilities, personnel, information technology and budget); and Central Appellate Research. The selected candidate will be expected to develop goals and strategies for accomplishing objectives; analyze current case processing methods; devise streamlined and expedited workflow systems, and implement new processes while assuring a high level of quality control.  This individual will effectively manage and develop approximately 200 professional and support staff; work directly with the judges in the exercise of their non-adjudicative duties; lead the Appellate Division staff in providing support to the 35 Appellate Division judges; serve on various management and policy committees; and assure excellent service to attorneys and litigants.  The Clerk is appointed by the Supreme Court and reports to the Presiding judge for Administration of the Appellate Division. Qualifications: Graduation from an accredited college or university with a bachelor's degree. Seven years of experience, five of which shall have included responsibility for the development and management of budgets, staff, information systems and administrative operations; development and implementation of programs, policies and procedures; and supervision of professional staff. Applicants who do not possess the required education may substitute experience on a year for year basis. A master's degree may be substituted for one year of experience.  A law degree may be substituted for two years of experience as indicated above. Experience in Court administration, especially at the Appellate level, is helpful. US citizenship is not required. Selected candidate must be authorized to work in the US according to Department of Homeland Security, US Citizenship, and Immigration Services regulations. Salary: $86,700-$118,830. (2005)

CLERK OF THE SUPREME COURT: Rhode Island Judiciary. Summary: The Clerk of the Supreme Court exercises primary responsibility for the administration and management of the Supreme Court Clerk’s Office by assistance to the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, other courts in the Judiciary, state government agencies, attorneys, and citizens of the state. Duties: The Clerk directs the daily operations of the Clerk’s Office and supervises the staff of professional and non-professional assistants. The Clerk works closely with the Chief Justice and four (4) Justices in all matters relating to the Supreme Court. Supervises, administer, and direct all services and staff within the Supreme Court. Manages and oversees financial accounts of the Supreme Court. Publishes and distributes Supreme Court opinions and orders. Oversees the scheduling, preparation, and coordination of the Supreme Court calendars. Evaluates, plans, organizes, develops, and implements policies and procedures. Oversees the Committee of the Board of Bar Examiners and the Rhode Island  Bar Exam. Plans and implements new, emerging, and changing technological developments Coordinates services with other court departments, agencies, and outside vendors. The Clerk of the Supreme Court reports to the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court and the State Court Administrator. Qualifications:  The Clerk position requires a Bachelor’s Degree plus a minimum of five years experience in court administration or comparable experience in management and a Juris Doctor from an ABA-accredited institution. This position is ideal for a person with a proven record as a successful manager and leader. Must possess excellent organizational, interpersonal, written, and oral communication skills. Present salary: $62,360-$70,667 plus benefits. (2004)

CLERK OF THE IDAHO SUPREME COURT AND COURT OF APPEALS: Idaho Supreme Court Description: Clerk of the Idaho Supreme Court and Court of Appeals. The Clerk of the Court performs highly responsible and confidential legal and administrative work for the Supreme Court, pursuant to Article V, Section 15 of the Idaho Constitution. Duties :Work involves management of related legal and clerical functions of the Supreme Court and Court of Appeals, including those duties set forth in Idaho Code, Title 2, Chapter 4, §§ 1-401 et seq. and 1-501 et seq. Responsibilities: management of all personnel and operations in the Clerk’s Office and related functions; interpretation of appellate court rules and procedures; review of motions and petitions filed with the Court; releasing and reporting opinions for the Court; and travel with the Court and preparation of courtrooms for oral arguments. For administrative purposes, this position reports directly to the Chief Justice. Qualifications: graduation from an accredited law school or member of a state bar or equivalent professional accomplishment; significant management and supervisory experience required including experience with current technology applications; significant court experience preferred. Salary: Starting salary up to $87,000 – 92,000, commensurate with qualifications and experience. (2004)

ADMINISTRATIVE DIRECTOR: West Virginia Supreme Court of Appeals, Charleston, WV. Highly qualified individual sought by the Supreme Court of Appeals to serve as Administrative Director. Duties: The Administrative Director works under the general administrative policies of the Supreme Court and the oversight authority of the Chief Justice, and is responsible for administrative control of non-judicial activities of the state court system including budget development and financial accountability, procurement and inventory control, personnel and payroll administration, statistical data collection and analysis, planning and administrative policy development, facility development and maintenance, judicial and non-judicial staff training, technology development and systems administration, and other duties that may be required by the Supreme Court. The Administrative Director also serves as the liaison for the court system as a whole with the legislative branch, executive branch, local governments, the Bar, news media, and general public. Qualifications: include superior academic record; a Juris Doctor degree; exemplary interpersonal skills; flexibility to adapt to complex automated information systems and technological advances in court system management; demonstrated leadership skills and experience in decision making relevant to the management of the court system; strong written and oral communication skills; and the ability to supervise and direct staff activities. Salary $80-85,000, commensurate with qualifications and experience. (2003)

COURT ADMINISTRATOR: Summary: Under administrative direction, manages all activities and facilities and directly supervises subordinate management staff. Develops and presents budget requests before legislative bodies and local governments. Participates in short and long-term planning for the court. Duties: Plans, organizes and coordinates functions related to fiscal programs, budget, human resources, information systems and various court programs. Hires, trains, evaluates, and disciplines subordinate staff. Prepares and submits courts operating budget. Analyzes court dockets and operations and develops and implements processes to improve case management and court services. Develops local rules, policies and procedures. Serves as a liaison to the state legislature, county and city governments, law enforcement agencies and the media. Provides testimony to the state legislature. Oversees facilities management and planning including allocating space, overseeing maintenance and modifications, awarding service contracts and negotiating leases. Qualifications: Bachelor's degree in business or public administration or related field and eight years experience in court management including three years of supervisory experience. Knowledge of human resource management, information systems and facilities management; legislative processes; budgeting rules, regulations, policies and procedures; auditing and financial management methods; and customer service practices.

CLERK OF COURT: Duties: The Louisiana First Circuit Court of Appeal seeks a qualified individual to serve as Clerk of Court, who will be responsible for planning, organizing, controlling and directing both the administrative and case management activities of the Court, under the direction of the en banc conference of appellate judges.  Qualifications: candidates should have a bachelor's degree with five or more years of administrative experience.  Strong leadership style with excellent interpersonal and verbal/written communication skills.  Other requirements include good analytical, problem solving and organizational skills, as well as stable work history.  Advanced computer skills necessary.  Experience with the budgetary process helpful.  Juris Doctorate or advanced degree desirable.  Three-month trial period agreement.  Excellent benefits.  Annual salary - $78,000. (1998)

COURT EXECUTIVE OFFICER: California Court of Appeal, First Appellate District, San Francisco, CA.  Duties: The Court Executive Officer is responsible for planning, organizing, coordinating and directing the Office of the Clerk of the Court and all non-judicial administrative support activities including human resources, information systems, facilities, and finance.  The court seeks an individual with a strong background in planning and implementing programs and policies and who has a demonstrated background in developing innovative solutions to operational problems.  Qualifications:  Six years of court management experience, including two years of increasingly responsible management experience, and a bachelor's degree.  Annual salary range:  $79,992 - $97,236. (1998)

CLERK OF THE APPELLATE COURTS: Alaska Court System, Anchorage, AK, a city of over 250,000 nestled between the Chugach Mountain Range and Cook Inlet with easy access to Alaska 's abundant recreational opportunities.  Duties: Responsible for planning, directing, implementing, and monitoring the operations of the appellate courts for the State of Alaska .  The Clerk assures a smooth and efficient flow of all matters filed with and acted upon by the Alaska Supreme Court and Court of Appeals.  Supervises a staff of 10 employees.  Qualifications: Minimum Requirements: LL.B or JD degree from an accredited law school and admitted to a State Bar.  Preferred:  A minimum of three years of legal experience in either private practice or in a governmental agency, and experience with word processing, database, and spreadsheet programs.  Starting semi-monthly salary range:  $2,908. (1998)

COURT ADMINISTRATOR/CLERK: Court of Appeals, Division I, Seattle, WA. Summary: Directs case management and general administrative operations for one of three divisions of the Washington State Court of Appeals.  Must have a thorough knowledge of the principles of court administration, including budgeting, statistical analysis, computer systems, management, and court security.  Duties: Maintains custody of all files, pleadings, and proceedings of the court, supervises Clerk’s staff and training of court personnel, sets Court calendars, manages Court facilities, assists in budget preparation, develops policies and procedures, and maintains liaison with the Administrator of the Courts, the legislature, the Supreme Court and other divisions of the Court of Appeals, the Bar, and litigants.  Qualifications: Must have a bachelor’s degree in public or judicial administration or business and six years of progressively responsible experience as an administrator or manager in a court or related organization or agency, to include two years of supervisory experience.  A master’s degree in court administration may be substituted for one of the six years of experience.  Experience beyond six years in a court or related agency may be substituted on a year-for-year basis for the bachelor’s degree.  Annual salary range:  $53,328 - $68,280. 1170.(1997)

CLERK OF THE SUPREME COURT OF SOUTH DAKOTA: Pierre, SD.  The Supreme Court of South Dakota is the highest court of the state and the court of last resort.  Duties: Under the general direction of the justices, the clerk supervises the Court’s caseload to ensure timely disposition of appeals and original actions, oversees record keeping of court actions and proceedings, prepares court documents, manages document flow within the Court, oversees procedural compliance with rules of appellate procedure, designs and implements records management programs, prepares caseload and other reports as requested by the Court, supervises the staff of the office, and undertakes such other duties as may be directed by the Court.  Qualifications: Minimum Qualifications:  Bachelor’s or master’s degree in public administration, business, judicial administration, or other related field, knowledge of appellate court operations, excellent oral and written communications skills, demonstrated management and personnel supervision experience, computer literate, well-organized and detail-oriented, and a demonstrated ability to interact well with others in a public setting.  Additional desirable qualifications will include a degree in judicial administration and at least five years of progressively responsible experience in an appellate court setting as either a clerk or a chief deputy clerk of court.  Salary range:  $36,212 - $54,308. (1997)

ADMINISTRATOR: Indiana Court of Appeals, Indianapolis, Indiana.  Duties: responsible for human resource management, fiscal administration, caseflow management, technology management, information management, and space management.  Serve as intergovernmental liaison, provide research, planning, and advisory services, manage community relations and public information and provide secretariat services.  Qualifications:  administrative and supervisory experience preferred, computer savvy and good communication skills.  No salary range given. (1995)

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Assistant Administrator/Clerk

SENIOR COURT MANAGEMENT SPECIALIST: Arizona Supreme Court, Phoenix, AZ. Summary: This position administers a wide range of complex projects that involve planning, researching and analyzing court administration and operations in order to implement statewide strategic agenda initiatives. This position will provide high level support, perform research and provide information to committees as directed. This position will work in tandem with a second Sr. Court Management Specialist to coordinate the implementation of CourTools; work with the court community to implement programs that will guarantee the availability of qualified language interpreters fro non-English speaking litigants; and staff a new state level committee on victims’ rights. Duties: Some essential functions of the job include analyzing court processes to identify problems, providing recommendations and preparing reports, developing projects to improve court operations, researching and developing grant proposals, conducting studies involving data collection and analysis, developing statewide training curriculum, and serving as an educational faculty or facilitator. In addition, this position fosters and maintains cooperative working relationships within the criminal justice community and other governmental and private agencies in order to achieve general organizational and specific project goals. Successful candidates should have the ability to staff, coordinate and facilitate Supreme Court committees comprised of Judges, Court Administrators, Clerks of Court, as well as other criminal justice system stakeholders and the public. Qualifications: Advanced degree in a related field and graduation from an accredited four year college or university with a major in public or judicial administration, criminology, systems analysis, political science or a related social science. Seven years experience in a variety of court management positions, including three years experience in court administration, operations or consulting; knowledge of management planning and research principles, methods and techniques; excellent oral and written communication skills; and excellent project management skills and experience. Salary: $75,000, DOE. (2005)

SECOND DEPUTY CLERK: Supreme Court of Louisiana, New Orleans, Louisiana.  Mandatory Qualifications:  law degree or appropriate masters degree required, ten years’ experience in court administration or practice of law desirable.  Applicants should possess progressively responsible administrative experience in a court clerk’s office, or in public service, which provided a thorough understanding of organizational, procedural, and human aspects in managing an organization.  At least five years’ experience must have been in a position of substantial management responsibility.  Desired qualifications:  understanding of automated systems and their application in the court environment.  Strong analytical skills and organizational ability.  Strong interpersonal skills and ability to perform difficult managerial tasks.  Salary is commensurate with experience and qualifications. (1995)

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Appellate Court Attorneys/Legal Counsel

ATTORNEY III (ASSISTANT COURT COMMISSIONER): Minnesota Supreme Court. Summary: The Minnesota State Commissioner’s Office seeks an Attorney III to serve as legal counsel to the court, provide legal research and recommend case dispositions in both civil and criminal cases. Duties: Confer with justices concerning legal matters and other problems that arise in the processing of cases and provide advice and recommendations thereon. Work assignments are carried out with a substantial degree of discretion and independent judgment within the framework of laws and the policies of the court. Qualifications: Graduate of an accredited law school, 5 years litigation experience, certified admission to the Minnesota State Bar and eligibility to practice law in the State of Minnesota. Outstanding legal research, analysis, writing and oral communication skills. Appellate practice experience highly desirable. (2005)

SUPREME COURT ATTORNEY: The Supreme Court of California, San Francisco, California. Summary: Capital Central Staff, which assists the court in reviewing and processing appeals and habeas corpus petitions and related motions filed in the Supreme Court following the imposition of a judgment of death in the superior court.  Members of the Capital Central Staff work under the immediate direction of a Supervising Attorney and in close conjunction with the justices and other members of the court staff. Duties: Review briefings in automatic appeals and habeas corpus matters and prepare memoranda that evaluate the issues, analyze the law applicable thereto, and offer recommendations for proper disposition; Prepare and review memoranda to the court concerning motions relating to both automatic appeals and habeas corpus petitions; Recommend and draft proposed changes in the court’s published and internal policies and other written material to assist the court in responding to new legislation and judicial decisions; Provide advice and assistance to the court for improving the fair and efficient processing of all aspects of capital matters; Consult with attorneys and/or professional staff regarding capital and case related issues; Attend oral arguments; Serve on court committees as required; and conduct special legal research and assignments when requested, including editing of work prepared by court externs. Qualifications: Active membership in State Bar of California. Salary: $4,118-$10,148 per month depending on experience. (2005)

PRINCIPAL APPELLATE COURT ATTORNEY: State of New York, Unified Court System. Appellate Division, Second Judicial Department. Brooklyn, NY. Duties: Principal Appellate Court Attorneys serve in a confidential capacity and are primarily responsible for assisting Chief Appellate Court Attorneys in the Appellate Divisions and Appellate Terms with the supervision and administration of their legal departments. Principal Appellate Court Attorneys research and analyze complex issues and questions for the court and perform other related duties. Other duties include: Researching and analyzing legal questions and issues in the area of attorney discipline; preparing preliminary reports and confidential memoranda; evaluating testimony and evidence; identifying relevant case law; making recommendations of findings to the court; drafting opinions and orders and responding to inquiries from complainants, counsel and the public regarding attorney discipline matters. Ability to meet strict deadlines and communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing, with judicial and administrative personnel is essential. Qualifications: Admission to the New York State Bar and three years of service in the Senior Appellate Court Attorney title; or equivalent legal experience. Salary: $80,043.00 + Location of $1,2000. (2004)

ASSOCIATE STATE ATTORNEY: Summary: Under administrative direction, manages assigned appellate caseload; performs legal research, analysis and writing; makes recommendations regarding dispositional and interlocutory decisions; drafts opinions, orders, and other dispositional and interlocutory decisions. Duties: Reviews cases on appeal, recommends appropriate calendaring and drafts calendar notices. Performs legal research. Examines briefs, records and legal authorities cited. Drafts opinions, orders and decisions for judge's review and final approval. With approval of the Chief Staff Attorney, mentors Law Clerks and prepares and presents continuing legal education seminars. Primary responsibility for special projects as assigned by Chief Staff Attorney. Participates in the hiring process, in State Bar committees, and special projects. Qualifications: Must be a graduate of an accredited law school; possess a license to practice law in the state; and have at least three years experience in the practice of law. (2001)

ASSOCIATE STATE ATTORNEY: (General Description) Summary: Under administrative direction, manages assigned appellate caseload; performs legal research, analysis and writing; makes recommendations regarding dispositional and interlocutory decisions; drafts opinions, orders, and other dispositional and interlocutory decisions. Duties: Reviews cases on appeal, recommends appropriate calendaring and drafts calendar notices. Performs legal research. Examines briefs, records and legal authorities cited. Drafts opinions, orders and decisions for judge's review and final approval. With approval of the Chief Staff Attorney, mentors Law Clerks and prepares and presents continuing legal education seminars. Primary responsibility for special projects as assigned by Chief Staff Attorney. Participates in the hiring process, in State Bar committees, and special projects. Qualifications: Must be a graduate of an accredited law school; possess a license to practice law in the state; and have at least three years experience in the practice of law.

SUPREME COURT COMMISSIONER: The State of Minnesota . Summary: The Minnesota Supreme Court is seeking to fill the position of Supreme Court Commissioner. This position serves as chief legal counsel to the Minnesota Supreme Court and supervises its career central research staff. Duties: The Commissioner's Office is responsible for providing legal research and memoranda recommending dispositions of petitions for further review in a wide variety of civil and criminal cases as well as in original jurisdiction matters, including workers' compensation and attorney discipline. The Commissioner's work is carried out with a substantial degree of discretion and independent judgment within the framework of laws and the policies of the court. The Commissioner supervises two attorneys and three administrative staff. The work of the office is conducted at the Judicial Center in Saint Paul , Minnesota . The Supreme Court Commissioner serves at the pleasure of the Supreme Court and is supervised on a day-to-day basis by the Chief Justice. Qualifications: Graduation from an accredited law school and admitted to practice law. Thorough experience in the practice of law. Annual salary range: $51,052 - $91,181. (1998)

STAFF ATTORNEY: Phoenix , Arizona Supreme Court. Duties: Reviews cases coming to the Supreme Court pursuant to its discretionary jurisdiction and provides analysis and recommendations on their disposition; undertakes special projects as requested by the Supreme Court and provides bench memoranda in preparation for oral arguments; supervises all rule-making procedures for Arizona Rules of Court; works in specialized areas of law as requested by the Court. (1993)

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