Judicial Clerkship - Government in Camden, NJ

Government

Camden, NJ

Judicial Clerkship - Government in Camden, NJ

Judicial Clerkship

No

Job Title: Law Clerk 2025 - 2026

Job Responsibilities:
Law clerks in the **MEMBERS ONLY**SIGN UP NOW***. are tasked with a variety of responsibilities that provide them with comprehensive exposure to the judicial process. These duties vary depending on the court division they are assigned to:

1. Supreme Court: Law clerks work directly with justices on complex cases involving challenging legal issues. Their primary responsibilities include performing legal research, preparing written memoranda on novel legal issues, and assisting justices in drafting opinions.

2. Appellate Division: Clerks conduct research, analyze legal data, prepare legal memoranda, process emergent motion applications, and proofread published opinions. They are responsible for preparing weekly memos for judges, editing opinions, handling emergent applications, and assisting in additional research projects.

3. Superior Court Assignment Judge: Clerks learn all aspects of court administration and assist with processing emergent motions. They conduct research, prepare legal memos, manage the judge’s docket, and communicate regularly with counsel and courthouse staff.

4. Trial Court: Clerks gain practical experience by observing judicial proceedings, attending conferences with attorneys and judges, and receiving mediation training. They summarize information for judges and may mediate small claims cases.

5. Tax Court: Clerks perform duties similar to those in the Appellate Division and trial courts but do not mediate cases. Responsibilities include reviewing motions, conducting legal research, drafting legal documents, managing the motion calendar, and assisting with remote proceedings.

6. Family Division: Clerks handle legal issues involving children, youth, spouses, and domestic partners. Responsibilities include conducting legal research, assisting with remote proceedings, communicating with litigants and attorneys, drafting legal opinions and orders, and managing emergent applications.

7. Civil Division: Clerks prepare bench memoranda for civil motions, perform legal research, draft legal orders, and manage the motion calendar. They communicate with attorneys, litigants, and court staff, gaining exposure to a wide range of legal issues.

8. Criminal Division: Clerks conduct legal research, assist in drafting jury instructions and legal opinions, manage the motion calendar, and perform case management functions. They may assist with remote proceedings and communicate with attorneys and staff.

9. General Equity (Chancery): Clerks conduct legal research, review case files, draft orders, and interact with counsel and litigants regarding case management. They assist in processing emergent temporary restraining order applications.

Education and Experience Information:
Applicants for the law clerk positions must meet the following education and experience requirements:

- Graduation from a law school approved by the American Bar Association (ABA) by the time of their law clerk appointment.
- The program is intended for recent law school graduates, defined as those who have graduated within the last four years.
- Excellent writing and analytical skills are essential.
- Completion of a mediation course is beneficial, and trial court law clerks serving as mediators must complete a 12-hour mediation training or its equivalent.
- Applicants must provide an official, final law school transcript at the time of hire.

Salary Information:
The salaries for the 2024-2025 court term are provided, with the salaries for the 2025-2026 term to be determined based on funding availability. Salaries are based on a 52-week court term with additional overlap weeks paid separately:

- 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 per the Code of Conduct for Judiciary Employees.
- A valid driver’s license in New Jersey is required if the operation of a vehicle is essential for the position.
- US citizenship is not required, but authorization to work in the US is necessary.
- A thorough background check, including fingerprinting, is required for selected individuals.
- Residency Law: New hires must establish and maintain principal residence in New Jersey within one year, but law clerks are exempt during their court term.
- Approximately 480 clerkships are available annually, with a limited number for the Supreme Court, Superior Court Appellate Division, and others. Most openings exist in the Superior Court Law Division in civil and criminal court, and Superior Court Chancery Division in family court.
- Individuals from historically underrepresented groups, women, individuals with disabilities, and other protected class members are encouraged to apply.
- The **MEMBERS ONLY**SIGN UP NOW***. is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer committed to ensuring an open door to justice.
- The Judiciary offers a hybrid work schedule, allowing up to four days per month of remote work, subject to certain requirements.

This comprehensive outline provides potential candidates with a clear understanding of the role, expectations, and qualifications required for the law clerk positions within the **MEMBERS ONLY**SIGN UP NOW***..