Law Clerk - Monmouth Vicinage (2027-2028)

New Jersey Courts • Freehold, NJ

11d • Hybrid

About The Position

New Jersey Courts is hiring a judicial Law Clerk for the Monmouth Vicinage for the 2027–2028 court term. The clerkship is intended for recent law school graduates and offers practical experience with the judicial process, opportunities to work closely with judges and court personnel, and professional development relevant to a legal career.

Trial Court Law Clerks observe judicial proceedings, attend conferences, mediate small claims cases, and summarize information for judges. Law clerks assigned to assignment judges also learn about court administration and assist with emergent motions. Clerks may receive mediation training, attend professional development courses, and earn CLE credits toward bar certification.

The Superior Court court term runs from August 16, 2027, through August 25, 2028, including a two-week overlap. Law clerks may hold outside employment with prior approval under the Judiciary Employees Code of Conduct. Selected candidates must undergo a background check that includes fingerprinting and must be authorized to work in the United States. U.S. citizenship is not required.

Requirements

• Graduate from a law school approved by the American Bar Association by the time of appointment.
• Be a recent law school graduate, defined as having graduated within the last four years.
• Provide an official, final law school transcript showing the graduation date at the time of hire.
• Have excellent writing and analytical skills.
• Be authorized to work in the United States under Department of Homeland Security and U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services regulations.
• Agree to a thorough background check, including fingerprinting.

Nice To Haves

• Completion of a mediation course before the clerkship begins is helpful.
• Prior trial court or Tax Court clerkship experience may make an applicant eligible for an additional one-year clerkship in the Appellate Division or Supreme Court.

Responsibilities

• Observe judicial proceedings and attend conferences.
• Mediate small claims cases after completing the required Judiciary-sponsored mediation training or an approved equivalent.
• Summarize information for judges.
• For clerks assigned to assignment judges, learn court administration and assist with emergent motions.

Benefits

• Hybrid work schedule with up to four remote workdays per month, subject to high-speed internet access and multifactor authentication.
• Exemption from New Jersey’s residency law during the court term, including for those serving a second clerkship in a higher court.
• Eligibility for Public Service Loan Forgiveness for full-time state employees with 10 or more years of service.
• Eligibility for comprehensive health coverage for the clerk and eligible dependents through the State Health Benefits Program.
• Earn up to 15 personal days and 15 sick days.
• Competitive salaries.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree