Judicial Clerkship - Government in Trenton, NJ

Government

Trenton, NJ

Judicial Clerkship - Government in Trenton, NJ

Judicial Clerkship

No

Job Title: Law Clerk 2025 - 2026

Job Responsibilities:
- Supreme Court Law Clerks: Work with justices on complex legal cases, perform legal research, prepare written memoranda, and assist in preparing opinions.
- Appellate Division Law Clerks: Conduct research, analyze legal data, prepare legal memoranda, process emergent motion applications, and proofread published opinions.
- Superior Court Assignment Judge Clerks: Learn all aspects of court administration, assist with processing emergent motions, and manage the judge’s docket.
- Trial Court Law Clerks: Gain practical experience, observe judicial proceedings, attend conferences, receive mediation training, mediate small claims cases, and summarize information for judges.
- Tax Court Law Clerks: Perform duties similar to Appellate Division and trial courts, handle legal research, draft case management orders, and manage motion calendars.
- Family Division Clerks: Conduct legal research, assist with remote proceedings, draft legal opinions and orders, manage adjournment requests, and handle emergent applications.
- Civil Division Clerks: Prepare bench memoranda, perform legal research, draft legal orders, manage motion calendars, and assist with case management functions.
- Criminal Division Clerks: Conduct legal research, assist in drafting jury instructions, manage motion calendars, perform case management functions, and assist with remote proceedings.
- General Equity (Chancery) Clerks: Conduct legal research, review case files, draft orders, proofread judge's orders, and assist in processing emergent temporary restraining order applications.

Education and Experience Information:
- Must have graduated from a law school approved by the American Bar Association by the time of appointment.
- The program is intended for recent graduates, defined as those who graduated within the last four years.
- Excellent writing and analytical skills are essential.
- Completion of a mediation course is beneficial, as trial court clerks serving as mediators must complete Judiciary sponsored mediation training unless waived.

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:
- The clerkship program offers a hybrid work schedule, with up to four remote workdays per month, requiring high-speed internet access.
- Law clerks may hold outside employment with prior approval as per the Code of Conduct for Judiciary Employees.
- A valid New Jersey driver’s license is required if vehicle operation is necessary for the position.
- Authorization to work in the US is required, but US citizenship is not necessary.
- A thorough background check, including fingerprinting, is mandatory.
- Law clerks are exempt from the New Jersey residency requirement during their term but must establish residency if they continue in other state positions afterward.
- Approximately 480 clerkships are available, with most openings in the Superior Court Law Division and Chancery Division.
- Applicants must complete the application process fully, detailing all relevant work experience and education.

This role provides an opportunity to gain hands-on experience in a respected court system, offering insight into the legal process and enhancing future career prospects. Law clerks work closely with judges, attorneys, and court staff, gaining invaluable knowledge and experience in various legal areas.