Law Fellow - Superior Court Department
About The Position
The Superior Court of Massachusetts seeks up to six entry-level attorneys with less than two years of post-law-school experience for its Law Fellowship Program. Fellows assist Superior Court justices with legal research and writing on matters arising from the court’s broad civil and criminal jurisdiction, as well as court procedure. They work alongside permanent Research Attorneys and may gain experience that could serve as a pathway to a permanent Research Attorney position. 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. They must be willing and able to travel to other courthouses in the Commonwealth. 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 Deputy Legal Counsel - Research Services. Applicants must have a Juris Doctor degree from an accredited law school by the start of the fellowship and maintain Massachusetts residency for its entire duration. The salary range is $81,858.66 to $102,281.40, with starting pay of $81,858.66.
Requirements
- Juris Doctor degree from an accredited law school by the start of the fellowship.
- Maintain Massachusetts residency for the entire duration of the fellowship.
- Excellent legal writing and communication skills.
- Excellent legal research and analytical skills.
- High professional and ethical standards.
- Ability and willingness to travel to courthouses in the Commonwealth as assigned.
- Experience and knowledge using personal computers, word-processing software such as Microsoft Word, and legal research services such as Lexis and Westlaw.
- Demonstrated ability to follow written and oral instructions.
- Demonstrated ability to manage, prioritize, and complete simultaneous assignments from various judges.
- Demonstrated ability to work independently while maintaining productivity and exercising good judgment.
- Demonstrated ability to meet deadlines and complete assignments in a timely manner.
- Demonstrated ability to work professionally with judges, managers, court staff, research attorneys, and other law fellows.
- Genuine commitment to serving the full term of the fellowship.
- Applicants must be graduating law students or recent graduates with less than two years of post-law-school experience.
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 currently applying for membership.
- Familiarity with legal research resources beyond Westlaw and Lexis.
- Demonstrated commitment to government or public service, particularly within the Judicial branch.
Responsibilities
- Attend motion hearings, trials, and other courtroom proceedings as needed.
- Discuss legal issues with judges.
- Perform careful and accurate legal research and analysis.
- Clearly and concisely communicate 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.
Stand Out From the Crowd
Upload your resume and get instant feedback on how well it matches this job.
What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
Education Level
Ph.D. or professional degree
