What are the responsibilities and job description for the JUDICIAL CLERKSHIP- SUPREME COURT position at JUDICIAL BRANCH?
State of New Hampshire Job Posting
Judicial Branch
Supreme Court
Judicial Clerkship Position
Two-Year Term: August 20, 2027, through August 16,2029
3 vacancies are available
First Year Salary: $67,490.80
Second Year Salary: $70,805.80
Applications accepted through June 8, 2026
Interviews will be held in late June 2026
The State of New Hampshire, Judicial Branch, Supreme Court has three full-time vacancies for Judicial Clerkship. The New Hampshire Supreme Court will accept applications through June 8, 2026. Applications must include a cover letter, a resume, and a law school transcript, the names of three references with contact information, and a writing sample of no more than ten pages in length. All application materials must be combined into a single PDF file named with your last name and first initial (e.g. SmithJ.pdf) and attached with your electronic application. To attach the single PDF of your application materials to your electronic application, navigate to the “Review Profile” page of the electronic application, select the “Attachments” tab on the left-hand side of the screen, click “Add Attachment,” and select “Other” for document type.
Summary: The Supreme Court Law Clerk provides advanced legal research, writing, and analytical support to the Justices of the Supreme Court for the New Hampshire Judicial Branch (NHJB). This position assists in the review and disposition of appellate matters, extraordinary writs, and other cases within the Court’s jurisdiction. The Law Clerk plays a critical role in supporting judicial decision-making through legal analysis, preparation of bench memoranda, draft opinions, and review of case records and briefs and must maintain the highest level of confidentiality, professionalism, and impartiality.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:
Education and Experience
J.D. degree or candidate for J.D. degree in 2027 from an accredited American law school. Excellent writing and research skills.
Admission to the New Hampshire state bar preferred, or eligibility for admission within a specified period.
Strong academic credentials, including demonstrated excellence in legal writing and research.
Prior judicial or appellate internship, law review, moot court, or comparable experience preferred.
Other Requirements
Successful completion of a background check, including criminal records and motor vehicle checks.
Responsibilities
Conducts comprehensive legal research involving constitutional, statutory, regulatory, and case law issues.
Reviews appellate briefs, trial court records, motions, and related filings.
Drafts bench memoranda summarizing procedural history, legal issues, relevant authority, and recommended disposition.
Assists in drafting opinions, orders, decisions, and per-curiam rulings for review by the assigned Justice and the Court.
Researches and analyzes issues arising in appeals, original jurisdiction matters, and administrative proceedings.
Verifies legal citations, quotations, and references for accuracy and conformity with court standards.
Assists Justices during oral arguments and conferences by preparing issue summaries and supplemental research.
Monitors developments in statutory and case law affecting matters before the Court.
Maintains strict confidentiality regarding case deliberations, judicial communications, and draft opinions.
Competencies for Successful Performance of Job Duties
Knowledgeable in:
- Appellate procedure and judicial processes
- Advanced legal research and legal writing skills
- Constitutional and statutory interpretation
Ability to:
- Analyze complex legal issues and appellate records
- Manage multiple deadlines and case assignments
- Exercise sound legal judgment and discretion
- Abide by the ethical code of conduct applicable to law clerks
Disclaimer Statement:
The intent of this job description is to provide a representative summary of the major duties and responsibilities performed by incumbents of this job. Employees may be requested to perform tasks other than those specifically presented in this description.
Compensation & Benefit Information: Compensation & Benefits | State of New Hampshire Agency Website
For further information please contact Lori Dumais, Supreme Court Judicial Assistant, at ldumais@courts.state.nh.us.
EOE
TDD Access: Relay NH 1-800-735-2964