Law Clerk - Probate and Family Court -2027-2028

Commonwealth of Massachusetts•United States, Massachusetts, Probate & Family Admin Office, MA

3d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Probate and Family Court Law Clerk performs legal research and writing assignments to assist judges. The one-year clerkship runs from August 30, 2027, through August 25, 2028, with a possible 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 rotations by the Administrative Office of the Probate and Family Court, subject to the Chief Justice’s final approval. Rotations provide opportunities to work with multiple judges and take place among court locations every six months. Positions are in either Metro Boston or Central West; applicants must indicate their preferred region or regions. The position currently offers a hybrid work schedule. A reliable car, willingness and ability to travel to courthouses throughout the Commonwealth, and Massachusetts residence for the duration of the clerkship are required. The clerkship offers exposure to a broad range of family, probate, and equity matters, including adoption, paternity, custody, divorce, guardianships, legal bioethics, real estate partition petitions, trust reformations, and will contests. The court also encounters evolving legal issues and cases of first impression. Applicants must upload a resume, prior writing sample, and current transcript through the Trial Court employment website. The writing sample must be no longer than 10 pages and include a cover letter describing the sample and any supervisory review. A statement of interest is encouraged. Letters of recommendation are not required. Applicants may be asked for additional materials, including a writing sample prepared in response to a fact pattern. Employment is contingent upon passing a criminal record check.

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 both 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 demonstrate 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 entire one-year clerkship term.
Must reside in Massachusetts for the duration of the clerkship.
Employment is contingent upon passage of a criminal record check.

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.
Statement of interest is encouraged.

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; conduct additional research and review or revise written work as appropriate.
Discuss legal issues with colleagues and judges.
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.