Judicial Clerkship - Government in Trenton, NJ

Government

Trenton, NJ

Judicial Clerkship - Government in Trenton, NJ

Judicial Clerkship

No

Job Title: Law Clerk

Job Responsibilities:

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

1. Supreme Court: Law clerks assist justices with complex legal cases, perform legal research, prepare written memoranda on novel legal issues, and help in the preparation of judicial opinions. They work closely with the justices and gain insights into high-level appellate court proceedings.

2. Appellate Division: Clerks conduct legal research, analyze legal data, prepare legal memoranda, process emergent motion applications, and proofread published opinions. They also prepare weekly memos for judges, edit judicial opinions, handle emergent applications, and assist with additional research projects.

3. Superior Court Assignment Judges: Law clerks learn court administration aspects, assist with processing emergent motions, and manage various administrative duties. Clerks may have to conduct research, prepare legal memos, manage dockets, and communicate with counsel and court staff.

4. Trial Courts (Civil, Criminal, Family, General Equity): In civil courts, clerks prepare bench memoranda, conduct legal research, draft legal orders, and assist with case management. In criminal courts, clerks research for judge’s opinions, draft legal documents, manage motion calendars, and assist with remote proceedings. Family court clerks handle legal research, assist with proceedings, communicate with litigants and attorneys, and draft legal opinions.

5. Tax Court: Law clerks review and process motions, conduct legal research, draft case management orders, manage motion calendars, and assist with remote proceedings. They communicate with attorneys and litigants and gain experience in judicial tax challenges.

6. Chancery Division (General Equity): Clerks conduct legal research, review case files, prepare bench memoranda, draft orders, and interact with counsel regarding case management. They also assist in processing emergent temporary restraining orders.

Education and Experience Information:

1. Education: Candidates must have graduated from a law school approved by the American Bar Association (ABA) by the time of their clerkship appointment.

2. Experience: The program is intended for recent law school graduates, defined as those graduating within the last four years. Excellent writing and analytical skills are essential. It is beneficial for candidates to have completed a course in mediation prior to the clerkship.

3. Additional Requirements: Candidates must provide an official final law school transcript at the time of hire. Clerks must complete a 12-hour mediation training or provide documentation of an equivalent alternative dispute resolution course.

4. Legal Eligibility: US citizenship is not required, but candidates must be authorized to work in the US according to Department of Homeland Security regulations.

Salary Information:

The salary structure for the 2024-2025 court term is based on a 52-week term plus additional overlap weeks. The salaries for the 2025-2026 term will be determined based on funding availability. For the 2024-2025 term, the salaries are as follows:

- 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:

1. Remote Work: The **Members Only** offers a hybrid work schedule with up to four days per month of remote work. High-speed home internet access and a multifactor authentication app are required for participation in this program.

2. Outside Employment: Law clerks may hold outside employment with prior approval as per the Code of Conduct for Judiciary Employees.

3. Driver's License: A valid New Jersey driver's license is required only if vehicle operation is necessary for job duties.

4. Background Check: Selected candidates must agree to a thorough background check, including fingerprinting.

5. Residency Law: New hires must establish and maintain principal residence in New Jersey within one year, with exemptions available under specific conditions. Law clerks are exempt from this residency requirement during their term.

6. Application Process: Applications are submitted through the Judiciary's web-based portal. The process requires detailed completion of work experience and education sections, with submission of relevant documents.

7. Equal Opportunity: The **Members Only** is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer, encouraging applications from underrepresented groups, women, individuals with disabilities, and other protected class members.

8. Clerkship Opportunities: Approximately 480 clerkships are available annually, with positions in the Supreme Court, Superior Court Appellate Division, Superior Court Assignment Judges, Superior Court Chancery Division, and Tax Court. Most openings are in the Superior Court Law Division and Chancery Division.

9. Judicial Structure: The **Members Only** includes the Supreme Court, Superior Court, Tax Court, and Municipal Court System, supported by the Administrative Office of the Courts.

This comprehensive overview provides potential candidates with a clear understanding of the roles, responsibilities, and requirements of a law clerk position within the **Members Only**, ensuring they are well-informed and prepared for their application and potential employment.