Judicial Clerkship - Government in Newark, NJ

Government

Newark, NJ

Judicial Clerkship - Government in Newark, NJ

Judicial Clerkship

No

Job Title: Law Clerk 2025 - 2026

Job Responsibilities:
Law clerks in the **Members Only** are tasked with a variety of responsibilities depending on the specific court in which they serve. These responsibilities generally include:

- Conducting legal research and analysis to assist judges in preparing opinions and making decisions.
- Preparing legal memoranda on complex legal issues for the judge’s review.
- Proofreading and editing judicial opinions and other legal documents.
- Assisting with the management of the court’s docket and case management functions.
- Observing judicial proceedings and attending conferences with attorneys and judges.
- Assisting in the preparation of jury instructions and legal orders.
- Engaging in mediation and assisting with small claims cases in certain divisions.
- Communicating with attorneys, self-represented litigants, and court staff.
- Managing motion calendars and assisting with remote proceedings, often using platforms like Zoom or Microsoft Teams.

The specific duties of law clerks can vary significantly depending on the division to which they are assigned, such as the Supreme Court, Appellate Division, Tax Court, or various divisions within the Superior Court (., Family, Civil, Criminal, Chancery).

Education and Experience Information:
To qualify for a law clerk position in the **Members Only**, candidates must:

- Be recent graduates from a law school approved by the American Bar Association, defined as having graduated within the last four years.
- Possess excellent written and verbal communication skills, as well as strong analytical skills.
- It is advantageous for candidates to have completed a course in mediation, as court rules require trial court law clerks who will serve as mediators to complete a 12-hour mediation training or its equivalent.
- Provide an official, final law school transcript, not a photocopy, which includes the date of graduation at the time of hire.

Salary Information:
The salaries for the 2024-2025 Court Term are detailed as follows, with the 2025-2026 salaries yet to be determined based on funding availability:

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

Additional Information:
- The Judiciary offers a hybrid work schedule, allowing for up to four days per month of remote work, provided certain technical requirements are met.
- Law clerks may hold outside employment with prior approval, in accordance with the Code of Conduct for Judiciary Employees.
- A valid driver’s license in New Jersey is required only if necessary to perform essential duties of the position.
- . citizenship is not required, but candidates must be authorized to work in the . according to Department of Homeland Security regulations.
- Selected candidates must undergo a thorough background check, including fingerprinting.
- The position is not subject to the New Jersey First Act residency requirement during the clerkship term, but those moving into other state positions post-clerkship must comply with residency laws.
- Approximately 480 clerkships are available, with a limited number in the Supreme Court, Appellate Division, and other specialized courts. Most openings exist in the Superior Court Law Division in civil and criminal courts, and the Superior Court Chancery Division in family court.

The **Members Only** encourages applications from individuals from historically underrepresented groups, women, individuals with disabilities, and other protected class members. Applications must be completed in full to be considered. The **Members Only** is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer committed to ensuring an open door to justice.