Judicial Clerkship - Government in Westmont, NJ

Government

Westmont, NJ

Judicial Clerkship - Government in Westmont, NJ

Judicial Clerkship

No

Job Title: Law Clerk 2025 - 2026

Job Responsibilities:
New Jersey Courts offer a structured 53-week clerkship program, providing law clerks with hands-on experience in various court settings, including the Supreme, Appellate, Tax, and Superior Courts. Responsibilities differ based on the court division:

1. Supreme Court Law Clerks:
- Work with justices on complex cases with challenging legal issues.
- Perform legal research and prepare written memoranda on novel issues of law.
- Assist in the preparation of opinions.

2. Appellate Division Law Clerks:
- Conduct research and analyze legal data.
- Prepare legal memoranda and process emergent motion applications.
- Proofread published opinions and edit opinions authored by judges.

3. Trial Court Law Clerks:
- Gain practical experience by observing judicial proceedings and attending conferences.
- Receive training in mediation and mediate small claims cases.
- Summarize information for judges and assist with case management functions.

4. Tax Court Law Clerks:
- Review and process motions filed with the court.
- Conduct legal research and draft case management orders.
- Manage the motion calendar and assist with remote proceedings.

5. Assignment Judge Law Clerks:
- Conduct research and prepare legal memos.
- Manage the judge’s docket and regularly communicate with counsel and courthouse staff.

6. Family Division Law Clerks:
- Conduct legal research and assist with remote proceedings.
- Communicate with self-represented litigants and attorneys.
- Assist in drafting legal opinions and orders.

7. Civil Division Law Clerks:
- Prepare bench memoranda for civil motions and motions in limine.
- Perform legal research and draft legal orders.
- Manage the motion calendar and assist with case management functions.

8. Criminal Division Law Clerks:
- Conduct legal research for opinions and motions.
- Assist in drafting jury instructions and legal opinions.
- Manage the motion calendar and perform case management functions.

9. General Equity (Chancery) Law Clerks:
- Conduct legal research and review case files.
- Prepare bench memoranda and draft orders.
- Interact with counsel and self-represented litigants regarding procedural issues.

Education and Experience Information:
- Candidates 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, defined as graduating within the last four years.
- Excellent writing and analytical skills are essential.
- Completion of a course in mediation is helpful, and trial court law clerks serving as mediators must complete the Judiciary-sponsored 12-hour mediation training or its equivalent.

Salary Information:
- Supreme Court $76,400
- Supreme Court Appellate Division $69,750
- Superior Court Assignment Judge $63,950
- Superior Court Chancery Division (General Equity) $63,950
- Superior Court Law Division (Civil and Criminal) $58,900
- Superior Court Chancery Division (Family) $58,900
- Tax Court $58,900

Additional Information:
- Law clerks may hold outside employment with prior approval as provided in the Code of Conduct for Judiciary Employees.
- Appointees may be required to possess a valid New Jersey driver's license if vehicle operation is necessary to perform essential duties.
- US citizenship is not required, but selected candidates must be authorized to work in the US.
- Law clerks must agree to a thorough background check, including fingerprinting.
- The "New Jersey First Act" requires newly hired Judiciary employees to establish and maintain principal residence in New Jersey within one year, with some exemptions for law clerks.
- Approximately 480 clerkships are available, with most openings in the Superior Court Law Division and Superior Court Chancery Division.
- The **Members Only** is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer.

Application Process:
- Applications will be accepted starting June 10, 2024, through the Judiciary's web-based portal.
- Applicants will be contacted directly by justices or judges for interviews starting June 17, 2024.
- Applicants must complete the application process fully and as instructed, detailing all relevant work experience and education.
- Law clerks gain valuable insight into the judicial process and work closely with judges, attorneys, court staff, and litigants, enhancing their career prospects with real-world experience.