The Circuit Court for the City of Richmond is now accepting applications from law students for the position of Judicial Law Clerk for the 2026-2027 law clerk term fro August 3, 2026, through July 30, 2027. Being a law clerk offers the opportunity to learn from well-regarded jurists: Judge Richard Campbell, Judge Claire Cardwell, Judge Bradley Cavedo, Judge Devika Davis, Judge Jacqueline McClenney, Judge Tracy Thorne-Begland, and Judge C.N. Jenkins. The four available positions serve our seven judges, supporting them primarily with their civil dockets but also with complex criminal matters. Each of three law clerks will serve a judge pair. The fourth law clerk will primarily serve one judge while assisting other judges or the Staff Attorney as needed, including filling in for other law clerks when necessary. This opportunity allows you to be mentored by judges and receive valuable insight into their thought process, helping you will better understand how to persuade the courts. As a law clerk for the trial court of record in our capital city, you will gain invaluable experience in research and develop your writing skills while honing your ability to conduct legal analysis across all types of law by reviewing filings, drafting legal documents, and observing trials and hearings.

Compensation

The current salary is $60,324.26. Medical and dental insurance are available.

Responsibilities

Review filings and dockets. Perform legal research. Draft memoranda, orders, and opinions. Assist in the courtroom. Respond to communications made by phone, email, or letter. Track deadlines and outstanding items. Organize and log documents sent up to chambers. Additional responsibilities as assigned.

Qualifications

Juris Doctor required. Not contingent on licensure. Applicants are usually 2L's or rising 3L's who anticipate receipt of their J.D. the May before the beginning of the law clerk term. Successful applicants will possess excellent legal research and writing skills, the ability to work with a diverse group of people and have excellent attention to detail while still being able to see the “big picture.”

Required Application Materials

Cover letter
Resume
Brief writing sample
Academic transcript

How to Apply

If you have a desire to learn and are willing to take the opportunity to ask questions, please apply today by submitting the required application materials to Virginia Bray, Staff Attorney/Court Administrator, via email at virginia.bray@rva.gov or by U.S. mail at the address provided below. Please address the cover letter to:

Virginia E. Bray

Staff Attorney & Court Administrator

Circuit Court for the City of Richmond

400 N. 9th Street

Richmond, VA 23219

Application Process

Application materials will be reviewed by the Staff Attorney/Court Administrator to ensure that the applicant possesses a J.D. or is a candidate for a J.D. Application materials will then be distributed to the hiring judges who will review the materials on a rolling basis. If an applicant is selected for interview, they will be notified. The individual hiring judge, or sometimes a judge pair, usually conduct interviews of the interviewee in person at the John Marshall Courts Building on the third floor, which houses the Circuit Court.

Circuit Court for the City of Richmond

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Judicial Law Clerk