Shared Judicial Law Clerkship (2026-2027) with Judge Randall M. Howe and Judge Anni Hill Foster

Arizona Court of Appeals•Phoenix, AZ

14h•$60,170

About The Position

The Arizona Court of Appeals, Division One, Law Clerk I position is an exempt salaried position. Under the direction of the Chambers Judge, a Law Clerks primary responsibility is to review briefs and the court record and to prepare a pre-draft decision in assigned cases. This position presents a rare opportunity to work directly with experienced judges and staff lawyers on complex and fascinating legal issues, improve their writing and analytical skills, and make a lasting contribution to the law in Arizona. Cases that are assigned to a particular panel of judges are divided among the three judges on the panel, and draft decisions are prepared by law clerks or staff attorneys working with an individual judge. Law clerks may be asked to write an initial draft decision, with varying degrees of input from the assigned judge. The draft is then circulated to the other judges on the panel for consideration when the case is set for conference. At conference, the law clerk who has drafted a proposed decision may be asked to present the case to the panel of judges. The law clerks presentation generally includes a summary of the relevant facts and an analysis of the relevant law. The law clerk is expected to have thoroughly reviewed the trial court record and to be available to help answer questions about the record. The law clerk who prepared the initial draft may also be asked to assist with post-conference editing and with cite-checking the draft. During conference, law clerks also take notes on all cases presented, including cases presented by staff attorneys and other law clerks.

Requirements

Must be a law school graduate or a current law school student expecting to graduate before the employment start date.
Bachelors degree (B.A. /B.S.)
Law degree from an accredited college/university and law school.
Knowledge and understanding of law, court procedures, and court systems.
Knowledge of legal research tools (Westlaw, Lexis Nexis, etc.).
Ability to work with professionalism in a busy environment.
High ethical standards: Ability to maintain confidentiality regarding pending court cases and business processes.
Ability to organize and manage multiple projects simultaneously and changes in responsibilities, duties, and procedures through cross training.
Superior verbal and written communication skills.
Superior research and analytical skills.
Show initiative and sound judgement in decision making.
Close attention to detail and commitment to accuracy.
Excellent interpersonal skills in a variety of situations.
Skilled in citation formatting.
Ability to apply common sense and understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written, oral, and diagram form.
Ability to deal with problems involving several variables in standardized situations.
Ability to apply knowledge and experience to each case using parallels from other cases and deductive reasoning.
Prolonged periods of sitting or standing at a desk working on a computer.
Retrieve boxes and case files from low and high storage areas.
Lift and move up to 30 pounds.
Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis.

Nice To Haves

Prior legal experience, including work as a lawyer, extern, or intern, is a plus.
Other professional experience, particularly involving research and writing is preferred.

Responsibilities

Analyze the record and legal issues and undertake legal research.
Draft proposed written decisions and submit to judges.
Participate in conference, answer judges questions, and attend oral arguments.
Access and utilize the Courts case management system.
Access and utilize SharePoint and Office 365.
Act as bailiff for oral arguments.
Law clerks may be given other projects by their judge(s). Such projects may include case law or statutory research, and assistance in handling requests for special action relief.
An effective law clerk does whatever is necessary to help the judge work efficiently and productively.
Law Clerks have shared administrative responsibilities with the chambers Judicial Assistant.
Law Clerks may be assigned general supervisory responsibilities for externs working in their chambers.
Law Clerks are bound by the ethical standards established by the Code of Conduct for Judicial Employees.