Attorney 1 - Public Access Unit

New Jersey Courts•Trenton, NJ

5d•Hybrid

About The Position

The New Jersey Judiciary Appellate Division Clerk’s Office is seeking an attorney for its Public Access Unit, working under the direction of the Chief Counsel and Deputy Counsel. The attorney reviews and analyzes Appellate Division filings and requested records for confidential information excluded from public access under Rule 1:38-3 and other applicable legal authority. This work requires applying court rules, statutes, case law, administrative directives, and other relevant authority, with close attention to detail. The attorney provides legal guidance to judges and court staff, delivers confidentiality and redaction training, reviews court rules and recommends changes or amendments in connection with the Supreme Court’s public access initiative, and provides procedural guidance to attorneys and self-represented litigants, including those seeking emergent relief. The role also assists with court accommodation requests under the Americans with Disabilities Act. The Judiciary currently offers a hybrid work schedule, and this position may qualify for up to two remote-work days outside Judiciary buildings. Participation requires high-speed home internet and installation of a multifactor authentication app on a phone or tablet. Regular and predictable physical presence at the worksite is an essential function. Newly hired employees must agree to a background check that includes fingerprinting and, within one year of hire, establish and maintain a principal residence in New Jersey, subject to possible exemptions.

Requirements

Graduation from an American Bar Association-approved law school.
At least one year of experience in legal research and in analyzing and evaluating legal documents, rules, regulations, and/or legislation.
A plenary Attorney-at-Law license in New Jersey and Active Supreme Court Good Standing Status.
Newly hired employees must be authorized to work in the United States under Department of Homeland Security and U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services regulations.
Newly hired Judiciary employees must establish and maintain principal residence in New Jersey within one year, subject to possible exemption.
Applicants must complete the application process as instructed, including the work experience and education sections and any required document attachments.

Responsibilities

Review Appellate Division filings from a legal perspective to identify confidential information excluded from public access by court rule, statute, case law, or other applicable authority.
Investigate and respond to correspondence and inquiries from judges, court staff, attorneys, and self-represented litigants.
Train court staff, attorneys, and self-represented litigants on identifying confidential information and redaction requirements.
Assist with court accommodation requests under the Americans with Disabilities Act.
Assist emergent clerks, including processing applications and communicating with litigants.
Perform related duties and projects assigned by the Clerk, Deputy Clerk, Chief Counsel, or Deputy Counsel.
Provide backup and assistance to other staff attorneys when necessary, including emergent clerks.
Provide legal guidance to judges and court staff.
Review court rules and recommend changes or amendments as appropriate for the Supreme Court’s public access initiative.
Provide procedural guidance to self-represented litigants and attorneys, including litigants seeking emergent relief.