Job Title: Law Clerk 2025 - 2026
Job Responsibilities:
Law clerks in the **Members Only** have a variety of responsibilities depending on the court division they serve in. Responsibilities include but are not limited to:
1. Supreme Court Law Clerks:
- Work with justices on complex cases involving difficult issues of law.
- Perform legal research, prepare written memoranda on novel issues of law, and assist in the preparation of opinions.
2. Appellate Division Law Clerks:
- Conduct research, analyze legal data, prepare legal memoranda, process emergent motion applications, and proofread published opinions.
- Prepare weekly memos for judges, edit opinions, handle emergent applications, and assist in additional research projects.
3. Trial Court Law Clerks:
- Gain practical experience by observing judicial proceedings and attending conferences with attorneys and judges.
- Participate in mediation training, mediate small claims cases, and summarize information for judges.
4. Tax Court Law Clerks:
- Perform duties similar to those in the Appellate Division and trial courts, focusing on judicial tax challenges.
- Conduct legal research, draft case management orders, manage the motion calendar, and assist with remote proceedings.
5. Assignment Judge Law Clerks:
- Learn court administration and assist with processing emergent motions.
- Conduct research, prepare legal memos, manage the judge’s docket, and communicate with counsel and courthouse staff.
6. Family Division Law Clerks:
- Conduct legal research, assist with remote proceedings, communicate with litigants and attorneys, draft legal opinions and orders, and manage adjournment requests.
7. Civil Division Law Clerks:
- Prepare bench memoranda for civil motions, perform legal research, draft legal orders, and assist in case management functions.
- Communicate regularly with attorneys, litigants, and court staff.
8. Criminal Division Law Clerks:
- Conduct legal research, assist in drafting jury instructions and legal opinions, manage the motion calendar, and assist with remote proceedings.
9. General Equity (Chancery) Law Clerks:
- Conduct legal research, prepare bench memoranda, draft orders, and assist in processing emergent temporary restraining order applications.
Education and Experience Information:
- Applicants must have graduated from a law school approved by the American Bar Association by the time of their law clerk appointment.
- The program is intended for recent law school graduates, defined as graduating within the last four years.
- Excellent writing and analytical skills are essential.
- It is beneficial to have completed a course in mediation prior to the start of the clerkship.
Salary Information:
- Supreme Court: $76,400
- Supreme Court Appellate Division: $69,750
- Superior Court Assignment Judge: $63,950
- Superior Court Chancery Division (General Equity and Family): $63,950
- Superior Court Law Division (Civil and Criminal): $58,900
- Tax Court: $58,900
Additional Information:
- Approximately 480 clerkships are available, with a limited number for the Supreme Court, Superior Court Appellate Division, Superior Court Assignment Judges, Superior Court Chancery Division, and Tax Court.
- Applicants may apply directly to justices or judges through the Judiciary's web-based portal starting June 10, 2024.
- The Judiciary offers a hybrid work schedule with up to four days per month of remote work.
- 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 the operation of a vehicle is necessary for the position.
- US citizenship is not required, but 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 individuals to establish residency in New Jersey within one year, though law clerks are exempt during their court term.
- Individuals from historically underrepresented groups, women, individuals with disabilities, and other protected class members are encouraged to apply.
- The **Members Only** is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer.
The **Members Only** provides an environment for law clerks to gain hands-on experience, enhance their legal careers, and gain insight into the judicial process. The clerkship offers exposure to a range of legal issues and the opportunity to work closely with judges, attorneys, court staff, and litigants.
