Job Title: Law Clerk 2025 - 2026
Job Responsibilities:
- Supreme Court law clerks work closely with justices on complex cases involving challenging legal issues. Their primary duties include conducting legal research, preparing written memoranda on novel legal issues, and assisting in the preparation of opinions.
- Appellate Division law clerks are responsible for conducting research, analyzing legal data, preparing legal memoranda, processing emergent motion applications, and proofreading published opinions. They also prepare weekly memos for judges, edit opinions, handle emergent applications, and assist with additional research projects.
- Superior Court Assignment Judge law 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 with counsel and courthouse staff.
- Trial court law clerks gain practical experience by observing judicial proceedings, attending conferences with attorneys and judges, and receiving training in mediation. They mediate small claims cases and summarize information for judges.
- Tax Court law clerks perform duties similar to those in the Appellate Division and trial courts, including reviewing motions, conducting legal research, drafting case management orders, managing the motion calendar, and assisting with remote proceedings.
- Family Division law clerks conduct legal research, assist with remote proceedings, communicate with litigants, draft legal opinions and orders, manage adjournment requests, and handle emergent applications.
- Civil Division law clerks prepare bench memoranda for civil motions, perform legal research, draft legal orders, and assist with case management functions. They communicate regularly with attorneys, litigants, and court staff.
- Criminal Division law clerks conduct legal research, assist in drafting jury instructions and legal opinions, manage the motion calendar, perform case management functions, and assist with remote proceedings.
- General Equity (Chancery) law clerks conduct legal research, review case files, draft orders, proofread judge's orders and opinions, and assist in processing emergent temporary restraining order applications.
Education and Experience Information:
- Candidates must have graduated from a law school approved by the American Bar Association by the time of their law clerk appointment.
- The law clerkship program is intended for recent law school graduates, defined as graduating within the last four years.
- Excellent writing and analytical skills are essential for the role.
- Completion of a course in mediation is beneficial, and selected candidates must complete the Judiciary-sponsored 12-hour mediation training or its equivalent if they serve as mediators.
Salary Information:
- Salaries for the 2024-2025 court term 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
- Salaries for the 2025-2026 court term are to be determined based on funding availability.
Additional Information:
- The **Members Only** offers a hybrid work schedule, allowing up to four days per month of remote work outside of Judiciary buildings, provided certain internet and authentication requirements are met.
- Law clerks may hold outside employment with prior approval, in accordance with the Code of Conduct for Judiciary Employees.
- A valid New Jersey driver's license is required only if vehicle operation is necessary for the position.
- US citizenship is not required; however, candidates must be authorized to work in the US.
- A thorough background check, including fingerprinting, is mandatory for selected candidates.
- The New Jersey First Act requires newly hired Judiciary employees to establish and maintain New Jersey residency within one year, with certain exemptions for law clerks.
- Approximately 480 clerkships are available, with a limited number for the Supreme Court, Superior Court Appellate Division, and other high-level positions. Most openings are in the Superior Court Law Division and Chancery Division.
- The **Members Only** is an equal opportunity employer, encouraging applications from individuals from historically underrepresented groups, women, individuals with disabilities, and other protected class members.
Application Process:
- Interested candidates can apply through the Judiciary's web-based portal starting June 10, 2024. Applications will not be accepted before this date.
- Candidates must complete the application process fully, including the work experience and education sections, and attach any required documents to be considered for hire.
- Letters of recommendation can be uploaded through the Law School Administrators portal or by professional recommenders directly into the portal.
- For questions regarding the application process, candidates can refer to the Law Clerkship Applicant Guide or contact the provided email address for support.
