Law Fellow - Superior Court Department

Commonwealth of Massachusetts • United States, Massachusetts, Superior Ct Administrative Off, MA

6d • Hybrid

About The Position

The Superior Court is seeking up to six entry-level attorneys with less than two years of post-law-school experience for its Law Fellowship Program. Fellows assist the Court’s Justices with legal research and writing assignments concerning the Superior Court’s civil and criminal jurisdiction and court procedure. Working alongside permanent Research Attorneys, Fellows develop their legal research and writing skills and gain experience across a broad range of matters. The Fellowship may provide a pathway to permanent Research Attorney positions.

The Fellowship is a one-year term running through the end of August 2028, with the possibility of a second-year term. The anticipated start date is August 30, 2027, subject to candidate availability. Fellows may be based primarily in Boston, Springfield, Woburn, Fall River, or another Superior Courthouse location, depending in part on their preferences. Fellows must be willing and able to travel to other courthouses throughout Massachusetts. Hybrid office/remote arrangements are available subject to Trial Court conditions and requirements; new Fellows typically begin full-time in person.

Work is performed under the guidance and supervision of the Chief Justice, Associate Justices, and the Deputy Legal Counsel - Research Services. Employment is contingent upon passing a criminal record check.

Requirements

• Have a Juris Doctor degree from an accredited law school by the start of the Fellowship.
• Maintain Massachusetts residency for the entire duration of the Fellowship.
• Have less than two years of post-law-school experience.
• Demonstrate excellent legal writing, communication, research, and analytical skills.
• Meet high professional and ethical standards.
• Be willing and able to travel to courthouses in the Commonwealth as assigned.
• Have experience and knowledge using personal computers, word-processing software such as Microsoft Word, and legal research services such as Lexis and Westlaw.
• Demonstrate the ability to follow written and oral instructions.
• Demonstrate the ability to manage, prioritize, and complete simultaneous assignments from various judges.
• Demonstrate the ability to work independently, maintain productivity, and exercise good judgment.
• Demonstrate the ability to meet deadlines and complete assignments in a timely manner.
• Demonstrate the ability to work professionally with judges, managers, court staff, research attorneys, and other law fellows.
• Have a genuine commitment to serving the full term of the Fellowship.

Nice To Haves

• Substantial legal research and writing experience, including current or prior judicial clerkship or internship experience in a state or federal court. Judicial clerkship experience is defined as paid, full-time, post-graduate employment as a law clerk for a court or judge.
• Membership in the Massachusetts Bar by the start of the Fellowship or current application for membership.
• Familiarity with legal research resources beyond Westlaw and Lexis.
• Demonstrated commitment to government or public service, particularly in the Judicial branch.

Responsibilities

• Attend motion hearings, trials, and other courtroom proceedings as needed.
• Discuss legal issues.
• Perform careful and accurate legal research and analysis.
• Clearly and concisely convey research and analysis orally and in writing.
• Prepare well-written, error-free legal research memoranda, bench memoranda, and draft decisions.
• Complete assignments in a timely manner and within deadlines established by judges.
• Perform related tasks as required.

What This Job Offers

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