Current Employment Opportunities

Law Clerk Job Descriptions 

• Law Clerk

• Trial Law Clerk

• Judiciary Law Clerk

Law Clerk

PRO SE LAW CLERK: United States District Court for the District of Utah, Office of the Clerk of Court. Summary: The United States District Court for the District of Utah seeks applications for the position of Pro Se Law Clerk. Duties: This is a full-time judicial support position that works closely with and under the supervision of the court's two magistrate judges; the primary duty is to assist them in the management and processing of cases filed by incarcerated and other pro se litigants. The incumbent will be responsible for: screening complaints, petitions, and motions, including state habeas corpus petitions, motions to vacate sentence, and civil rights complaints, that have been filed by pro se litigants to determine their legal merit, the issues involved, and the basis for relief; screening of other pro se litigation such as social security and equal opportunity complaints; tracking the progress of and working with the magistrate judges to effectively manage all pro se cases; advising the magistrate judges on the relative status and priority needs of assigned cases; drafting orders, reports and recommendations for the disposition of pro se cases; compiling statistics and preparing periodic reports reflecting the status and flow of pro se litigation; maintaining liaison between pro se litigants, judicial officials, and other officials such as the U.S. Attorney's Office; maintaining contact with pro se litigants who visit and appear in court; responding orally and in writing to a variety of questions relating to legal procedure and other process posed by pro se litigants; answering correspondence and telephone inquiries from pro se litigants; evaluating current procedures and process to determine whether they can be made more efficient and promote more expeditious processing of pro se litigation; and preparing and updating pro se litigant forms and instructional packets designed to assist unrepresented parties in drafting complaints and to avoid time-consuming procedural errors so cases can be processed efficiently. Qualifications: Applicants must have earned a law degree from an accredited law school and be members in good standing of the Utah State Bar in either active or inactive status. A minimum of one year of relevant legal experience in a court environment or as a practicing attorney at law is required. Applicants should provide evidence of excellent communication skills, both oral and written, and should include three relatively brief writing samples with their applications. Applicants must demonstrate excellent legal research skills in both automated and manual systems. Experience with prisoner/pro se litigation or other civil rights litigation is preferred. Acceptance of the position precludes engaging in private practice. Salary: $34,575 (JSP 9/1) - $91,589 (JSP 14/10) (2007)

LAW CLERK: Michigan Court of Appeals. Summary: Assists in drafting opinions, orders and memoranda on motion docket and case call appeals. Duties: Read appellate briefs and Research Division reports, and review lower court records, as needed, in cases assigned to case calls and motion dockets. Provide advice to the Judge of problem areas, complex legal issues, recommended outcomes of individual issues and disposition of appeals. Draft opinions (majority, concurrence or dissent), orders, and memoranda under the direction of the Judge on case call or motion docket matters. Proof and cite check the attached proposed opinions from Research Divisions prior to release. Assist the Judge in reviewing proposed opinions from other Judges on a panel. Prepare abstracts for authored opinions. Perform other duties as required by the Judge to ensure the efficient administration of the office. Qualifications: Juris Doctor (JD) from an accredited law school. One year of appellate practice experience. Salary: $53,014.32 to $68,904.00 (2007)

LAW CLERK: Michigan Supreme Court. Summary: Assist the Justice in evaluating cases filed with the Court, which includes reviewing Commissioner reports, proposed orders and opinions and discussion of pending cases with the Justice. Duties: Prepare draft opinions, concurrences and dissents of the Supreme Court. Edit draft opinions issued by other offices. Research and advise the Justice with regard to draft opinions, including drafting and advocating proposed changes per the Justice’s instructions. Review Commissioner recommendations regarding applications for leave to appeal, including reviewing facts and legal issues and recommending to the Justice whether the Court should hear the case. Prepare summary for the Justice and draft “hold” memos summarizing why the Court should hear the case as directed by the Justice. Review and analyze “hold” memos and other memoranda prepared by the other Justices’ offices, discuss with the Justice and prepare responsive memos as necessary. Confer with the Justice on pending matters such as opinions, conference agenda items and orders recommended by Commissioners. Review cases scheduled for conference consideration, discussing them with the Justice, and draft memos to the Justice as necessary. Draft memos as directed by the Justice advocating the Justice’s position and attempting to persuade a majority to the Justice’s view of the case. Prepare memoranda in advance of oral arguments, including reviewing cases, conducting required legal research, summarizing important facts and arguments and drafting and editing memoranda. Review draft per curiam opinions, conduct required legal research, analyze issues, prepare recommendations for the Justice, and draft proposed revisions. Review and analyze administrative agenda items and conduct legal research and follow-up. Attend or review videotape or transcript of oral arguments of assigned cases. Track current developments in the law, including reading Supreme Court and Court of Appeals opinions, legal periodicals and other relevant information. Draft speeches and perform other duties as required. Assign research projects to and supervise research activities of unpaid legal interns. Qualifications: Juris Doctor (JD) from an accredited law school. Prefer post-law school work experience involving significant legal research and writing. Experience with the Court of Appeals or other judicial forum may be preferred by the hiring Justice. Salary: $56,334.24 to $73,497.60 (2007)

SENIOR LAW CLERK: Michigan Supreme Court. Summary: Assist the Justice in evaluating cases filed with the Court, which includes reviewing Commissioner reports, proposed orders and opinions and discussion of pending cases with the Justice. Duties: Assist in employment of new law clerks, train and oversee their work, ensure balance of work, track progress of cases, and serve as mentor. Also recruit, train and supervise interns. Prepare draft opinions, concurrences and dissents of the Supreme Court. Edit draft opinions issued by other offices. Research and advise the Justice with regard to draft opinions, including drafting and advocating proposed changes per the Justice’s instructions. Review Commissioner recommendations regarding applications for leave to appeal, including reviewing facts and legal issues and recommending to the Justice whether the Court should hear the case. Prepare summary for the Justice and draft “hold” memos summarizing why the Court should hear the case as directed by the Justice. Review and analyze “hold” memos and other memoranda prepared by the other Justices’ offices, discuss with the Justice and prepares responsive memos as necessary. Confer with the Justice on pending matters such as opinions, conference agenda items and orders recommended by Commissioners. Review cases scheduled for conference consideration, discussing them with the Justice, and draft memos to the Justice as necessary. Draft memos as directed by the Justice advocating the Justice’s position and attempting to persuade a majority to the Justice’s view of the case. Prepare memoranda in advance of oral arguments, including reviewing cases, conducting required legal research, summarizing important facts and arguments, and drafting and editing memoranda. Review draft per curiam opinions prepared by Commissioners, conduct required legal research, analyze issues, prepare recommendations for the Justice, and draft proposed revisions. Review and analyze administrative agenda items and conduct legal research and follow-up. Attend or review videotape or transcript of oral arguments of assigned cases. Track current developments in the law, including reading Supreme Court and Court of Appeals opinions, legal periodicals and other relevant information. Qualifications: Juris Doctor (JD) from an accredited law school. Between three and five years of progressively more responsible experience involving and writing. Experience with the Court of Appeals or other judicial forum may Justice. One year of experience equivalent to that of a law clerk to a Justice. Salary: $71,910.72 to $95,338.08 (2007)

PRO SE LAW CLERK: The United States District Court, Western District of Arkansas. Summary: The United States District Court, Western District of Arkansas, has a position vacancy for pro se law clerk. The position is half-time or 20 hours per week. The position will be located in Fort Smith,  Arkansas, and will provide legal support to two U.S. Magistrate Judges. Duties: The Pro Se Law Clerk provides legal advice and assistance in connection with prisoner petitions and complaints and will be required to perform duties including, but not limited to, the following: (1) Perform substantive screening and make recommendations with respect to all in forma pauperis pro se filings. Provide substantive legal review of pro se petitions referred by the Court, this review to include research of issues raised by pleadings. (2) Research case law, recommend disposition of motions, draft orders and opinions for the Court's signature. (3) Communicate with counsel and pro se litigants regarding handling and progress of cases. Qualifications: To qualify, a candidate must be a law school graduate and have passed the bar examination. Salary range is $26,456 to $31, 708. (2007)

PRO SE LAW CLERK: United States District Court Central District of California. Summary: United States District Court Central District of California invites applications for the position of full-time Pro Se Law Clark. The Pro Se Law Clerk will work under the supervision of a United States Magistrate Judge on pro se habeas corpus, civil rights actions and Social Security cases. Duties: At present, the Court anticipates that the applicant will work primarily in conjunction with cases assigned to the Western Division of the Court and would be assigned a duty station at the federal courthouse in Los Angeles. More than one vacancy may be filled through this recruitment. Qualifications: Candidates must have strong academic credentials from an ABA-accredited law school, polished writing skills and superior analytical ability. Bar membership and litigation experience preferred. Applicants must be computer literate. Salary: $56,896 to $124,572 per year. (2006)

PRINCIPAL LAW CLERK TO JUDGE: Supreme Court, Criminal Term, New York, New York. Summary: Principal Law Clerks to Judge are responsible for researching and analyzing uniquely intricate, complex and sensitive legal issues and question for individual judges. They also provide other personal and confidential assistance to an individual judge or judges.  Principal Law Clerks to Judge are appointed by all Supreme Court, the Court of Claims and in the following courts in accordance with staffing needs. Principal Law Clerks to Judges are personally appointed by they judge or judges for whom they work and serve at their pleasure. Duties: This position requires researching and analyzing complex issues arising during trial and motion practice in the court, handling communications to the Justice, and supervising interns.  Candidates must have exceptional research/writing skills, excellent organizational abilities and strong communication skills. Qualifications: admission to the New York State Bar; and two years of service in the associate law clerk to judge title, or five years experience in criminal trial or appellate litigation within New York State Courts; or equivalent legal experience. (2005)

LAW CLERK: Summary: Under general supervision, performs legal research, analysis and writing; and under the specific guidance of a judge, assists in drafting opinions, orders, calendar notices, and decisions. Duties: Performs legal research, analysis and writing. Examines briefs, case records and legal authorities. Writes memoranda and occasionally recommends questions for a judge's use at oral argument. Recommends disposition of cases, and under guidance of a judge, drafts decisions, orders, finding of fact and other legal documents for judge's review and approval. Reads recent opinions and professional journals to keep current on legal issues. May assist judge authoring an opinion to incorporate or reconcile suggestions made by other judges; provide technical review of proposed opinions and alert judge to errors of fact and law; act as a sounding board for the judge; maintain the law library; and set up courtroom and recording equipment; and record court proceedings. Qualifications: Must be a graduate of an accredited law school with experience performing legal research and writing. (2001)

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Trial Court Law Clerk

TRIAL COURT LAW CLERK: Ft. Myers, Florida. Duties: The position of Staff Attorney to the Judges of the Twentieth Judicial Circuit Court is a professional position that entails research for and writing of legal memoranda, draft opinions and orders in all types of circuit and county court matters, including appeals from county court (both civil and criminal), complex civil litigation, constitutional questions, complex family law cases and criminal matters, including post conviction motions and related civil matters such as petitions for extraordinary relief filed by or on behalf of sentenced inmates, pretrial detainees and other litigants.  Work is performed under general supervision of the Lead Staff Attorney, Court Administrator, and Judges, and is reviewed in progress, as necessary, and upon completion. The core responsibilities of this position are:  1.) Assist Criminal Division Judges 2.) Assist Civil Division Judges 3.) Assist the Appellate Banc with County-to-Circuit Appeals. Qualifications: Graduation from an accredited law school and membership in good standing of the Florida Bar. Salary:$42,139.20* annually (based on 12 monthly pay periods worked) plus state benefits & membership in the Florida Retirement System. * Persons who do not have membership in the Florida Bar may be hired at a salary of $37,925.28 (10% below the minimum starting salary; however, they must sit for the exam and receive good standing membership in the Florida Bar within 12 months of hire. (2006)

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Judiciary Law Clerk

JUDICIARY LAW CLERK: New Jersey Judiciary. Summary: Start your legal career in a court system recognized as one of the best in the nation and enhance your future career prospects. Professional law clerk positions are available in the New Jersey Judiciary for individuals with strong communication and analytical skills. Supreme Court law clerks work with justices on complex cases involving difficult issues of law. Appellate Division law clerks conduct research, analyze legal data, prepare legal memoranda, process emergent motion applications, and proofread published opinions. Law clerks for assignment judges learn all aspects of court administration and assist with processing emergent motions. Trial court law clerks gain practical experience while gaining valuable insight into the judicial process. Under the direction of one or more judges over the course of the year, trial court law clerks observe judicial proceedings, attend conferences with attorneys and judges, receive training in mediation and mediate small claims cases and summarize information for judges. Tax Court law clerks perform duties similar to those assigned to law clerks in the Appellate Division and trial courts, but do not mediate cases. Law clerks may hold outside employment with prior approval as provided in the Code of Conduct for Judiciary Employees. The Code is available online at njcourtsonline.com under Legal Reference Desk in the Rules of Court. Qualifications: Law clerks must have graduated from a law school approved by the American Bar Association by the time of their law clerk appointment. The Judiciary’s law clerkship program is intended for recent law school graduates who have not yet engaged in the practice of law. Selected candidates will be required to provide an official, final law school transcript, not a photocopy, which includes the date of graduation from their law school at the time of hire. Excellent writing and analytical skills are essential. Salary: $39,179 - $51,493. (2006)

JUDICIARY LAW CLERK: Superior Court of New Jersey, Morris and Sussex Vicinage. Summary: The Morris/Sussex Vicinage anticipates professional law clerk openings for candidates who possess strong communication and analytical skills. Trial court law clerks obtain practical experience while gaining valuable insight into the judicial process by assisting attorneys and judges in court, meeting with litigants, and researching or preparing legal documents. Duties: Under the direction of one or more judges over the course of the year, trial court law clerks observe judicial proceedings, attend conferences with attorneys and judges, receive training in mediation and mediate small claims cases and summarize information for judges. Qualifications: Law clerks must have graduated from a law school approved by the American Bar Association by the time of their law clerk appointment. The Judiciary’s law clerkship program is intended for recent law school graduates who have not yet engaged in the practice of law. Selected candidates will be required to provide an official, final law school transcript, not a photocopy, which includes the date of graduation from their law school at the time of hire. Excellent writing and analytical skills are essential. Salary: $35,000. (2005)

JUDICIAL LAW CLERK: Tucson, Arizona. Summary: Performs legal and other related work at the direction of a Superior Court Judge. Duties: Performs independent research of issues of law as directed by the judge and develops interpretations of legal questions. Researches and verifies points of law cited by attorneys in memoranda to the judge. Provides input to and discusses pending cases and decisions with the judge. Participates in conferences and discussions between trial attorneys and the judge. Assists in writing and preparing judicial opinions, and decisions and citations. Assists in processing and tracking complex litigation assigned to the court. Maintains the judge’s law library and assembles and updates appropriate documents. May perform other tasks to aid in the administration of the judge’s docket and caseload. Courtroom Duties: Prepares the courtroom for the day’s cases. Assures all parties involved in the proceedings are present. Maintains order in the courtroom at all times during the sessions of the court. Maintains integrity of the jury and insures that no outside person makes any communication while they are deliberating. Escorts jurors and witnesses to and from the courtroom. Tends to all the needs of the jury, answers all non-legal questions and provides all possible assistance. Contacts, by telephone, all those required in the court session, such as attorneys and witnesses. Calls jurors, by telephone, to appear for jury duty at the next day’s session. Assist in emergency evacuations as directed in the Disaster/Emergency Response Procedure’s manual. Maintain jury deliberation room in an orderly manner. Qualifications: Graduation from an accredited college of law. Salary: $16.56/hour. (2005)

Archived Law Clerk Positions 1992-1999

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