Law Clerk (Morris/Sussex)

Law Clerk (Morris/Sussex)

Job Details

Law Clerk (Morris/Sussex)

This listing closes on 1/1/2027 at 11:59 PM Eastern Time (US & Canada).

Employer

New Jersey Courts

Salary

See Position Description

Location

Morris/Sussex Vicinage (Multiple Locations), NJ

Job Type

Full Time

Job Number

2026-13639

Central Office/Vicinage

Morris/Sussex Vicinage (Morris County)

Opening Date

10/08/2026

Closing Date

1/1/2027 at 11:59 PM Eastern Time (US & Canada)

Description

• Launch Your Legal Career with a Significant Judicial Clerkship in New Jersey Courts

• Are you ready to take the first step toward a transformative legal career? Becoming a judicial law clerk with New Jersey Courts offers an unparalleled opportunity for law school graduates to engage in meaningful work, develop critical skills, and build connections that will help you in shaping your future.

• Opportunities are available at the Morris/Sussex Vicinage of the Superior Courts. Gain valuable experience, develop your professional skills, andopen the door to are warding future in public service. Your next career opportunity starts here, this experience could be your gateway to professional success.

• Why Choose a Judicial Clerkship with NJ Courts?

• Immerse yourself in the inner workings of New Jersey Courts and gain exclusive behind-the-scenes knowledge of the judicial process. Work closely with justices, judges, prosecutors, defense attorneys, trial litigators, and court staff - all while playing a vital role in serving the public

• Your assigned justice or judge may become a lifelong mentor, guiding you with career-defining legal advice

• Collaborate daily with fellow court employees, attorneys, self-represented litigants, and court personnel in a dynamic environment

• Build invaluable connections that will open doors to exciting opportunities after your clerkship

• Enhance your legal skillset

• Receive mediation training, attend professional development courses, and earn CLE credits toward your bar certification. Develop expertise that will set you apart in your legal career

• Competitive salaries

• 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.

• 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.

Qualifications

• 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.

• 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 to for comprehensive coverage for you and your eligible dependents through the State Health Program (SHBP).

Benefits

• Paid Time Off - Earn up to 15 personal and 15 sick days.

• Competitive Salaries for the 2026-2027 Court Term

• Superior Court Chancery Division (General Equity): $69,168

• Superior Court Law Division (Civil, Criminal and Family): $63,706

• Salaries are based on a 52-week court term in addition to a one-week or two-week overlap as noted above, which will be paid at a separate weekly rate. The salaries above are for the 2067-2027 Court Term. The salaries for the 2027-2028 Court Term are to be determined based on funding availability.

• Court Term Dates

• Superior Court Assignment Judge, Chancery Division, Law Division, and Tax Court: August 16, 2027 – August 25, 2028 (includes a two-week overlap).

• Take the Leap Toward Your Legal Future

• Note: Law clerks may hold outside employment with prior approval as provided in the Code of Conduct for Judiciary Employees. The Code is available online at Employee Code of Conduct | NJ Courts

• Driver's License: Appointee will be required to possess a driver's license valid in New Jersey only if the operation of a vehicle is necessary to perform essential duties of the position.

• 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 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.

• Residency Law: In accordance with N.J.S.A. 52:14-7 (L. 2011, Chapter 70), the "New Jersey First Act," all persons newly hired by the Judiciary within one year must establish, and then maintain, principal residence in the State of New Jersey. Any person may request an exemption from that requirement from the Employee Residency Review Committee in the Department of Labor & Workforce Development on the basis of either hardship or employer critical need. Law clerks are not subject to the residency law during their court term. Additionally, law clerks who serve a second clerkship in a higher court are exempt from the residency requirement. Clerks who anticipate moving into another state position immediately following their clerkship(s) must be mindful that, upon conclusion of their clerkship term, they will need to be New Jersey residents. Any person may request an exemption from that requirement from the Employee Residency Review Committee in the Department of Labor & Workforce Development on the basis of either hardship or employer critical need.

• Approximately 480 clerkships are available. Of those, a limited number of clerkships exist for the Supreme Court, Superior Court Appellate Division, Superior Court Assignment Judges, Superior Court Chancery Division in general equity court, and in the Tax Court. Applicants interested in those positions should apply early during the hiring process. Most openings exist in the Superior Court Law Division in civil and criminal court, and Superior Court Chancery Division in family court. For additional information see the Judiciary's website at Become a Law Clerk | NJ Courts. Individuals from historically underrepresented groups, women, individuals with disabilities and other protected class members are encouraged to apply. The NJ Judiciary requires all applicants to complete the application process fully and as instructed. All applicants must complete the work experience and education sections and attach any required documents. Applications must describe all relevant work experience in detail, beginning with your current or most recent job, including military service (indicate rank), internships and job-related volunteer work, if applicable. Use a separate section to describe each position. Applicants who indicate "see resume" or enter their initials to acknowledge that they have skipped the Work History and Education sections will not be considered, unless they do not possess any education history or work experience. Only applicants that follow the application process will be considered.