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:**

Law clerks in the **MEMBERS ONLY**SIGN UP NOW***. have a diverse range of responsibilities depending on the division they are assigned to. Generally, their duties include:

- **Supreme Court:** Law clerks work closely with justices on complex cases involving difficult issues of law. They perform legal research, prepare written memoranda on novel issues, and assist in the preparation of opinions.

- **Appellate Division:** Clerks conduct research, analyze legal data, prepare legal memoranda, process emergent motion applications, and proofread published opinions. They are also responsible for drafting weekly memos and editing opinions.

- **Trial Courts (Superior Court Law Division):** Clerks gain practical experience by observing judicial proceedings, attending conferences with attorneys and judges, and receiving mediation training. They mediate small claims cases and summarize information for judges.

- **Tax Court:** Clerks perform duties similar to those in the Appellate Division and trial courts, focusing on judicial tax challenges. They review motions, conduct legal research, and draft case management orders.

- **Assignment Judges:** 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 staff.

- **Family Division:** Clerks handle legal research, assist with remote proceedings, communicate with litigants, and assist judges in drafting opinions and orders. They manage adjournment requests and handle emergent applications.

- **Civil Division:** Clerks prepare bench memoranda for motions, conduct legal research, draft legal orders, and manage the motion calendar. They communicate regularly with attorneys, litigants, and court staff.

- **Criminal Division:** Clerks conduct legal research, assist in drafting jury instructions and legal opinions, manage the motion calendar, and perform case management functions.

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

**Education and Experience Information:**

- **Education:** Law clerks must have graduated from a law school approved by the American Bar Association by the time of their appointment. The program is intended for recent graduates, defined as those who have graduated within the last four years.

- **Experience:** Excellent writing and analytical skills are essential. It is beneficial to have completed a course in mediation prior to starting the clerkship. All trial court law clerks serving as mediators must complete Judiciary-sponsored mediation training or its equivalent.

**Salary Information:**

Salaries are based on a 52-week court term with additional overlap weeks paid separately. For the 2024-2025 court 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

Salaries for the 2025-2026 court term are to be determined based on funding availability.

**Additional Information:**

- **Remote Work:** Up to four days per month of remote work outside of Judiciary buildings may be available, requiring high-speed internet access and multifactor authentication.

- **Outside Employment:** Law clerks may hold outside employment with prior approval as provided in the Code of Conduct for Judiciary Employees.

- **Driver’s License:** A valid New Jersey driver’s license is required if operating a vehicle is necessary for the position.

- **Authorization to Work:** US citizenship is not required, but candidates must be authorized to work in the US.

- **Residency Law:** New hires must establish residence in New Jersey within one year, with exemptions available under certain conditions.

- **Background Check:** Candidates must agree to a thorough background check, including fingerprinting.

Approximately 480 clerkships are available annually, with a limited number for the Supreme Court, Superior Court Appellate Division, and Tax Court. Most openings are in the Superior Court Law Division and Chancery Division. Individuals from historically underrepresented groups are encouraged to apply.