What are the responsibilities and job description for the 2025-2026 Law Clerk (Monmouth Vicinage) position at New Jersey Courts?
Description
Court Term: Immediate opening through August 28, 2026
Salary Information: The salary listed below is based on a 52-week court term. This salary is for the 2025-2026 court term.
Salary Superior Court Law Division (Civil, Criminal and Family): $61,256
Start your legal career in a court system recognized as one of the best in the nation and enhance your future career prospects. Professional law clerk positions are available in the New Jersey Judiciary for individuals with strong communication and analytical skills. 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 while gaining valuable insight into the judicial process. Under the direction of one or more judges over the course of the year, trial court law clerks observe judicial proceedings,
attend conferences with attorneys and judges, receive training in mediation and mediate small claims cases and summarize 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.
REMOTE WORK: The Judiciary currently offers a hybrid work schedule, and this position may qualify for up to four (4) days per month of remote work outside of Judiciary buildings. To participate in this program, in addition to installing a multifactor authentication app on your phone or tablet, you will be required to have high speed home internet access.
Example of Duties
Law clerks must have graduated from a law school approved by the American Bar Association by the time of their law clerk appointment. The Judiciary's law clerkship program is intended for recent law school graduates, which is defined as graduating within the last four years. Selected candidates will be required to provide an official, final law school transcript, not a photocopy, which includes the date of graduation from their law school at the time of hire. Excellent writing and analytical skills are essential.
Individuals who have served or are currently serving in a trial court or Tax Court clerkship may be eligible to serve an additional one-year clerkship in the Appellate Division or Supreme Court.
It is helpful to have completed a course in mediation prior to the start of the clerkship. Under Court Rule, all trial court law clerks who will serve as mediators must first complete the Judiciary sponsored 12-hour mediation training or its equivalent. Applicants selected for clerkships can request a waiver from attending the Judiciary's training program at the start of the court term by providing documentation that confirms that they successfully completed an approved alternative dispute resolution course.
Supplemental Information
Benefits Of Becoming a Judicial Law Clerk
To learn more about New Jersey Courts Judicial Clerkship, visit www.njcourts.gov/public/find-jobs/become-a-law-clerk or scan the QR Code below.
For questions, email lawclerkfaq@njcourts.gov
This clerkship is more than just a job - it’s your gateway to a successful legal career. Don’t miss the chance to gain unparalleled experience, build lifelong connections, and contribute to impactful public service. Apply today and start your journey with New Jersey Courts!
Note: Law clerks may hold outside employment with prior approval as provided in the Code of Conduct (Code) for Judiciary Employees. The Code is available online at Employee Code of Conduct | NJ Courts
Authorization to Work: US citizenship is not required. Selected candidate must be authorized to work in the US according to Department of Homeland Security, US Citizenship and Immigration Services regulations.
Special Note: Individuals selected for clerkships must agree to a thorough background check, which will also include fingerprinting. All data received will be kept in the strictest confidence except to inform the individual of the findings and what action will be taken as a result of this information.
Court Term: Immediate opening through August 28, 2026
Salary Information: The salary listed below is based on a 52-week court term. This salary is for the 2025-2026 court term.
Salary Superior Court Law Division (Civil, Criminal and Family): $61,256
Start your legal career in a court system recognized as one of the best in the nation and enhance your future career prospects. Professional law clerk positions are available in the New Jersey Judiciary for individuals with strong communication and analytical skills. 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 while gaining valuable insight into the judicial process. Under the direction of one or more judges over the course of the year, trial court law clerks observe judicial proceedings,
attend conferences with attorneys and judges, receive training in mediation and mediate small claims cases and summarize 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.
REMOTE WORK: The Judiciary currently offers a hybrid work schedule, and this position may qualify for up to four (4) days per month of remote work outside of Judiciary buildings. To participate in this program, in addition to installing a multifactor authentication app on your phone or tablet, you will be required to have high speed home internet access.
Example of Duties
- Trial Court Law Clerks - Gain practical experience by observing judicial proceedings, attending conferences, mediating small claims cases, and summarizing information for judges. Law clerks for assignment judges also learn court administration and assist with emergent motions.
Law clerks must have graduated from a law school approved by the American Bar Association by the time of their law clerk appointment. The Judiciary's law clerkship program is intended for recent law school graduates, which is defined as graduating within the last four years. Selected candidates will be required to provide an official, final law school transcript, not a photocopy, which includes the date of graduation from their law school at the time of hire. Excellent writing and analytical skills are essential.
Individuals who have served or are currently serving in a trial court or Tax Court clerkship may be eligible to serve an additional one-year clerkship in the Appellate Division or Supreme Court.
It is helpful to have completed a course in mediation prior to the start of the clerkship. Under Court Rule, all trial court law clerks who will serve as mediators must first complete the Judiciary sponsored 12-hour mediation training or its equivalent. Applicants selected for clerkships can request a waiver from attending the Judiciary's training program at the start of the court term by providing documentation that confirms that they successfully completed an approved alternative dispute resolution course.
Supplemental Information
Benefits Of Becoming a Judicial Law Clerk
- Hybrid Work Schedule - Enjoy up to four remote workdays per month with high-speed internet access and multifactor authentication.
- Residency Flexibility - Law clerks are exempt from New Jersey’s residency law during their court term, and those serving a second clerkship in a higher court remain exempt.
- Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) - Full-time state employees with 10 years of service can apply for federal student loan forgiveness.
- Health Benefits - Eligible for comprehensive coverage for you and your eligible dependents through the State Health Benefits Program (SHBP).
- Paid Time Off - Earn up to 15 personal and 15 sick days.
To learn more about New Jersey Courts Judicial Clerkship, visit www.njcourts.gov/public/find-jobs/become-a-law-clerk or scan the QR Code below.
For questions, email lawclerkfaq@njcourts.gov
This clerkship is more than just a job - it’s your gateway to a successful legal career. Don’t miss the chance to gain unparalleled experience, build lifelong connections, and contribute to impactful public service. Apply today and start your journey with New Jersey Courts!
Note: Law clerks may hold outside employment with prior approval as provided in the Code of Conduct (Code) for Judiciary Employees. The Code is available online at Employee Code of Conduct | NJ Courts
Authorization to Work: US citizenship is not required. Selected candidate must be authorized to work in the US according to Department of Homeland Security, US Citizenship and Immigration Services regulations.
Special Note: Individuals selected for clerkships must agree to a thorough background check, which will also include fingerprinting. All data received will be kept in the strictest confidence except to inform the individual of the findings and what action will be taken as a result of this information.
Salary : $61,256