Judicial Clerkship - Government in Morristown, NJ

Government

Morristown, NJ

Judicial Clerkship - Government in Morristown, NJ

Judicial Clerkship

No

**Job Title: Law Clerk**

**Job Responsibilities:**
1. **Supreme Court Law Clerks:**
- Work with justices on complex cases involving difficult legal issues.
- Conduct legal research and prepare written memoranda on novel issues of law.
- Assist justices in the preparation of opinions.

2. **Appellate Division Law Clerks:**
- Conduct research and analyze legal data.
- Prepare legal memoranda and process emergent motion applications.
- Proofread published opinions and edit the opinions authored by judges.
- Handle emergent applications and assist with additional research projects.

3. **Trial Court Law Clerks:**
- Gain practical experience and insight into the judicial process by observing judicial proceedings.
- Attend conferences with attorneys and judges.
- Receive training in mediation and mediate small claims cases.
- Summarize information for judges.

4. **Tax Court Law Clerks:**
- Perform duties similar to those assigned to law clerks in the Appellate Division and trial courts.
- Review and process motions filed with the court.
- Conduct legal research to inform a judge’s options and motions.
- Draft case management orders and other legal documents.

5. **Assignment Judge Law Clerks:**
- Learn all aspects of court administration.
- Assist with processing emergent motions.
- Conduct research and prepare legal memos.
- Manage the judge’s docket and communicate with counsel and courthouse staff.

6. **Family Division Law Clerks:**
- Conduct legal research for the judge’s opinions and motions.
- Assist with remote proceedings and communicate with litigants and attorneys.
- Assist the judge in drafting legal opinions and orders.
- Manage adjournment requests and handle emergent applications.

7. **Civil Division Law Clerks:**
- Prepare bench memoranda for civil motions and motions in limine related to trials.
- Perform legal research and draft legal orders.
- Draft, edit, and proofread legal correspondence.
- Manage the motion calendar and assist with case management functions.

8. **Criminal Division Law Clerks:**
- Conduct legal research for the judge’s opinions and motions.
- Assist in drafting jury instructions and legal opinions.
- Manage the motion calendar and perform case management functions.
- Assist with remote proceedings and communicate with attorneys and internal staff.

9. **General Equity (Chancery) Law Clerks:**
- Conduct legal research of substantive and procedural legal matters.
- Review case files and prepare bench memoranda.
- Draft orders and proofread judge's orders and opinions.
- Interact with counsel and self-represented litigants regarding case management and procedural issues.

**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.
- Completion of a course in mediation is helpful, and trial court law clerks who will serve as mediators must complete the Judiciary sponsored 12-hour mediation training or its equivalent.

**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

**Supplemental Information:**
- Law clerks may hold outside employment with prior approval in accordance with the Code of Conduct for Judiciary Employees.
- A valid 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.
- Selected candidates must agree to a thorough background check, including fingerprinting.
- The "New Jersey First Act" requires newly hired Judiciary personnel to establish residency in New Jersey within one year, though law clerks are exempt during their court term.
- Approximately 480 clerkships are available, with most openings in the Superior Court Law Division in civil and criminal court and the Superior Court Chancery Division in family court.