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Current
Employment Opportunities
Law
Clerk Job Descriptions
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)
Top
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 Judiciarys 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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Modified: November 19, 2007
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