Judicial Clerkship - Government in New Brunswick, NJ

Government

New Brunswick, NJ

Judicial Clerkship - Government in New Brunswick, NJ

Judicial Clerkship

No

**Job Title:** Law Clerk 2025 - 2026

**Job Responsibilities:**

As a Law Clerk within the New Jersey Courts, you will be engaged in a variety of responsibilities depending on the specific court division you are assigned to. Here are some of the key responsibilities across different divisions:

- **Supreme Court:** Work with justices on complex cases involving difficult legal issues. Responsibilities include performing legal research, preparing written memoranda on novel issues of law, and assisting justices in the preparation of opinions.

- **Appellate Division:** Conduct research, analyze legal data, prepare legal memoranda, process emergent motion applications, and proofread published opinions. Responsibilities also include preparing weekly memos, editing judicial opinions, handling emergent applications, and assisting with additional research projects.

- **Trial Court (Civil, Criminal, and Family Divisions):** Gain practical experience by observing judicial proceedings, attending conferences with attorneys and judges, receiving mediation training, and mediating small claims cases. You will also conduct legal research, prepare legal memos, draft legal orders, and manage motion calendars.

- **Tax Court:** Perform duties similar to those assigned to law clerks in the Appellate Division and trial courts, but do not mediate cases. Responsibilities include reviewing and processing motions, conducting legal research, drafting case management orders, and managing the motion calendar.

- **Assignment Judge:** Learn all aspects of court administration and assist with processing emergent motions. Responsibilities include conducting research, preparing legal memos, managing the judge's docket, and communicating with counsel and courthouse staff.

**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 clerkship program is designed for recent law school graduates, defined as those graduating within the last four years. Excellent writing and analytical skills are essential, and having completed a course in mediation is considered beneficial. Law clerks must complete a Judiciary-sponsored 12-hour mediation training or its equivalent if they will serve as mediators.

**Salary Information:**

The salary for the 2025-2026 Court Term is to be determined based on funding availability, but the salaries for the 2024-2025 Court Term were 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:**

- **Remote Work:** The Judiciary offers a hybrid work schedule, allowing up to four days per month of remote work outside of Judiciary buildings. Participation requires installing a multifactor authentication app and having high-speed home internet access.

- **Application Process:** Applications can be submitted via the Judiciary's web-based portal starting June 10, 2024. Applicants will be contacted directly by justices or judges for interviews beginning June 17, 2024.

- **Supplemental Information:** Law clerks may hold outside employment with prior approval. A driver's license valid in New Jersey may be required if vehicle operation is necessary for the position. US citizenship is not required, but candidates must be authorized to work in the US according to Department of Homeland Security regulations. Selected individuals must agree to a thorough background check, including fingerprinting.

- **Residency Requirement:** Under the "New Jersey First Act," all newly hired Judiciary employees must establish and maintain principal residence in New Jersey within one year, with certain exemptions available. Law clerks are not subject to this requirement during their court term but must be mindful of residency requirements if moving into another state position post-clerkship.

- **Diversity and Inclusion:** The **MEMBERS ONLY**SIGN UP NOW***. encourages individuals from historically underrepresented groups, women, individuals with disabilities, and other protected class members to apply.

- **Employment Opportunities:** 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. Most openings are in the Superior Court Law Division and Chancery Division Family Court.

This position offers a unique opportunity to start a legal career in a nationally recognized court system, providing exposure to various legal processes and enhancing future career prospects.