Law Clerk - Probate and Family Court -2027-2028

Massachusetts Trial Court•Springfield, MA

5d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Probate and Family Court Law Clerk performs legal research and writing assignments to assist judges of the Probate and Family Court. The one-year clerkship runs from August 30, 2027, through August 25, 2028, and there may be an opportunity to apply for an additional one-year term. Law clerks work directly with judges under the supervision of the First Justice of their assigned division, with support from division research attorneys, the Deputy Legal Counsel, and the Chief Justice. Clerks are assigned to either Metro Boston or Central West, or may indicate interest in both. Metro Boston assignments may be in the Barnstable, Bristol, Essex, Middlesex, Norfolk, Plymouth, or Suffolk divisions. Central West assignments may be in the Berkshire, Hampden, Hampshire, Franklin, or Worcester divisions. The Administrative Office assigns clerks to rotations, subject to the Chief Justice’s final approval. Clerks rotate among court locations every six months and work with multiple judges. The court hears family, probate, and equity matters spanning all stages of life. Cases include adoption, paternity, custody, divorce, guardianships, legal bioethics, real estate partition petitions, trust reformations, and will contests. Clerks may encounter evolving law and cases of first impression, including issues involving changing definitions of family. Applicants must reside in Massachusetts for the duration of the clerkship and have access to a reliable car and be willing to travel to courthouses throughout the Commonwealth. Applications require a resume, prior writing sample, and current transcript. Applicants are encouraged to submit a statement of interest. Letters of recommendation are not required; additional application materials, including a writing sample based on a court-provided fact pattern, may be requested after review. The application period closes February 12, 2027, but applications may be reviewed as received and interviews may occur before the deadline. The position currently offers a hybrid work schedule.

Requirements

Juris Doctor degree from an accredited law school or eligibility to sit for the Massachusetts bar exam by the start of the clerkship.
Excellent legal writing and communication skills.
Excellent legal research and analytical skills using online and book resources.
High professional and ethical standards.
Access to a reliable car and willingness and ability to travel to courthouses as assigned.
Experience and knowledge using Microsoft Word and legal research services such as Lexis and Westlaw.
Ability to follow written and oral instructions.
Ability to manage, prioritize, and complete simultaneous assignments from various judges.
Ability to work independently, maintain productivity, and exercise good judgment.
Ability to meet deadlines and complete assignments in a timely manner.
Ability to work professionally with judges, research attorneys, court staff, and other law clerks.
Genuine commitment to serving the full one-year clerkship term.
Must reside in Massachusetts for the duration of the clerkship.

Nice To Haves

Membership in the Massachusetts Bar and intent to practice law in Massachusetts.
Substantial legal research and writing experience, including prior judicial internship with a Probate and Family Court judge and/or participation on a law school journal.
Coursework in probate and/or family law, research assistant positions, clinical placements, or prior work experience in probate and family law.
Familiarity with legal research resources beyond Westlaw and Lexis.
Demonstrated commitment to government, public service, or access to justice.

Responsibilities

Perform careful and accurate legal research and analysis using online and book resources.
Clearly and concisely communicate research and analysis to judges orally and in writing.
Prepare legal research memoranda and draft findings of fact, conclusions of law, rationales, judgments, and memoranda of decision.
Complete assignments accurately and within deadlines, and conduct further research, review, and revision as appropriate.
Discuss legal issues.
Attend hearings, portions of trials, and other courtroom proceedings as needed.
Rotate among Probate and Family Court locations every six months as assigned.
Submit required administrative forms accurately and on time.
Maintain law clerk offices and work areas, including updating book pocket parts as necessary.
Perform related tasks as required.