Job Title: Law Clerk 2025 - 2026
Job Responsibilities:
- Supreme Court law clerks work with justices on complex cases involving difficult issues of law.
- Appellate Division law clerks conduct research, analyze legal data, prepare legal memoranda, process emergent motion applications, and proofread published opinions.
- Law clerks for assignment judges learn all aspects of court administration and assist with processing emergent motions.
- Trial court law clerks gain practical experience by observing judicial proceedings, attending conferences with attorneys and judges, receiving training in mediation, mediating small claims cases, and summarizing information for judges.
- Tax Court law clerks perform duties similar to those assigned to law clerks in the Appellate Division and trial courts but do not mediate cases.
- Clerks in the Civil Division prepare bench memoranda for civil motions, perform legal research, draft legal orders, and assist with case management functions.
- Criminal Division law clerks conduct legal research, assist in drafting jury instructions and legal opinions, manage the motion calendar, and communicate with attorneys and internal staff.
- Family Division law clerks conduct legal research, assist with remote proceedings, communicate with self-represented litigants and attorneys, assist in drafting legal opinions, and handle emergent applications.
- General Equity law clerks conduct legal research, draft orders, proofread judge's orders and opinions, and assist in processing emergent temporary restraining order applications.
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 those graduating within the last four years.
- Excellent writing and analytical skills are essential.
- Completion of a mediation course is helpful, particularly for trial court law clerks serving as mediators.
- Applicants must complete the Judiciary's 12-hour mediation training or an equivalent course, or request a waiver with proof of an approved alternative dispute resolution course.
Salary Information:
- Supreme Court: $76,400
- Supreme Court Appellate Division: $69,750
- Superior Court Assignment Judge and Chancery Division (General Equity): $63,950
- Superior Court Law Division (Civil and Criminal) and Chancery Division (Family): $58,900
- Tax Court: $58,900
- Salaries are based on a 52-week court term with an additional overlap period, paid at a separate weekly rate. Salaries for the 2025-2026 term are to be determined based on funding availability.
Additional Information:
- Approximately 480 clerkships are available, with limited positions in the Supreme Court, Superior Court Appellate Division, Superior Court Assignment Judges, Superior Court Chancery Division in general equity court, and the Tax Court.
- The Judiciary offers a hybrid work schedule, allowing for up to four days per month of remote work outside of Judiciary buildings.
- Law clerks may hold outside employment with prior approval as provided in the Code of Conduct for Judiciary Employees.
- A valid New Jersey driver's license is required only if vehicle operation is necessary for performing essential duties.
- US citizenship is not required; selected candidates must be authorized to work in the US.
- Individuals selected for clerkships must agree to a background check, including fingerprinting.
- Law clerks are not subject to the New Jersey residency law during their court term but must be mindful of residency requirements if transitioning to another state position afterward.
- The Judiciary encourages applications from individuals from historically underrepresented groups, women, individuals with disabilities, and other protected class members.
- Applicants must complete the application process fully, including work experience and education sections, and attach any required documents.
- The **MEMBERS ONLY**SIGN UP NOW***. consists of the Supreme Court, Superior Court including the Appellate Division and Trial Court, Tax Court, and Municipal Court System, and is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer.
