Law Clerk - Land Court Department

Massachusetts Trial Court•Boston, MA

7d•$70,786 - $104,327•Onsite

About The Position

The law clerk position is responsible for performing legal research and writing assignments to assist the Justices of the Land Court Department of the Massachusetts Trial Court, for a one-year term with possibility for a second year. The Land Court, located at 3 Pemberton Square, is a trial court of special jurisdiction, and provides an unparalleled opportunity for significant research and writing experience, observation of courtroom practice, and working closely with one or more justices for the duration of the clerkship. Land Court clerkships are particularly rewarding to those with interests in land use and real property law, and candidates who demonstrate such interests and experience are strongly encouraged to apply. Land use cases involving zoning and subdivision law comprise a substantial portion of the Land Court’s docket. The remainder of the Court’s docket includes cases involving title or boundary disputes, and other aspects of real property law. The Land Court’s jurisdiction extends to the entire Commonwealth. While the justices of the Land Court sit primarily in Boston, they also sit elsewhere in Massachusetts to conduct trials and motion sessions. Trials in the Land Court are without juries. Law clerks work closely with the justices on all aspects of the Court’s proceedings. Duties include attending and assisting with court sessions, performing legal research, preparing memoranda on cases and legal issues, and drafting decisions and orders. Topics of research include not only substantive questions of law, but also questions involving rules of civil procedure and evidentiary issues. Land Court law clerks emerge with a solid grounding in general civil courtroom practice.

Requirements

Juris Doctor degree from an accredited law school, as of the start of the clerkship.
Excellent legal writing, research and analytical skills, using both online and book resources.
Demonstrated ability to work well independently while maintaining productivity and demonstrating good judgment.
Demonstrated ability to meet deadlines and otherwise complete assignments in a timely manner.
Demonstrated ability to work well with others in a professional setting, including judges, managers, court staff, and other law clerks.
Massachusetts residency is not required at the time of application, but law clerks must reside in Massachusetts at the commencement and throughout the duration of the clerkship.
Knowledge of modern office equipment and technology including computers, applicable software, and legal research services.
Knowledge of Departmental and court policies and procedures.
Knowledge of Court proceedings.
Knowledge of Applicable statutes, case law, court rules, and standing orders.
Knowledge of Proper grammar, spelling, and punctuation.
Skill in Organization and time management.
Skill in Legal writing.
Skill in Leadership.
Skill in Attention to detail.
Skill in Critical thinking.
Ability to Establish effective working relationships with others.
Ability to Prepare clear and accurate reports.
Ability to Maintain appropriate records.
Ability to Maintain confidentiality of information.
Ability to Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
Ability to Work independently and follow oral and written instructions.
Ability to Conduct legal research and analysis.

Nice To Haves

Interests in land use and real property law
Experience in land use and real property law

Responsibilities

Researches and drafts orders and decisions in accordance with the guidance, supervision, and edits of the Judge.
Drafts docket entries for court proceedings.
Reviews Judge’s decisions/documents.
Performs legal research and analysis.
Produces findings of fact, judgments, and legal research memoranda.
Communicates with judges and members of the legal research department about assignments and managing a local case list.
Acts as lead worker.
Provides guidance and training to lower-level employees.
Performs administrative tasks, including listing and organizing assignments, tracking, recording time, and communicating with supervisor regarding assignments.
Performs other duties as required.