JOB
Launch Your Legal Career with a Meaningful Judicial Clerkship in New Jersey CourtsAre you ready to take the first step toward a transformative legal career? Becoming a judicial law clerk with New Jersey Courts offers an unparalleled opportunity for law school graduates to engage in significant work, develop critical skills, and build connections that will help you in shaping your future. With over 400 clerkships positions available annually across Supreme, Appellate, Tax, and Superior Courts, this experience could be your gateway to professional success.Why Choose a Judicial Clerkship with NJ Courts?Immerse yourself in the inner workings of New Jersey Courts and gain exclusive behind-the-scenes knowledge of the judicial process. Work closely with justices, judges, prosecutors, defense attorneys, trial litigators, and court staff - all while playing a vital role in serving the publicYour assigned justice or judge may become a lifelong mentor, guiding you with career-defining legal adviceCollaborate daily with fellow court employees, attorneys, self-represented litigants, and court personnel in a dynamic environmentBuild invaluable connections that will open doors to exciting opportunities after your clerkshipEnhance your legal skillsetReceive mediation training, attend professional development courses, and earn CLE credits toward your bar certification. Develop expertise that will set you apart in your legal careerCompetitive salaries
EXAMPLE OF DUTIES
Supreme Court Law Clerks - Work on complex cases involving challenging legal issues alongside justices.Appellate Division Law Clerks - Conduct in-depth legal research, analyze data, prepare memoranda, process emergent motion applications, and proofread published opinions.Trial Court Law Clerks - Gain practical experience by observing judicial proceedings, attending conferences, mediating small claims cases, and summarizing information for judges. Law clerks for assignment judges also learn court administration and assist with emergent motions.Tax Court Law Clerks - Perform duties similar to those in the Appellate Division and trial courts, minus mediation responsibilities.
SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION
Benefits of Becoming a Judicial Law ClerkHybrid Work Schedule - Enjoy up to four remote workdays per month with high-speed internet access and multifactor authentication.Residency Flexibility - Law clerks are exempt from New Jersey’s residency law during their court term, and those serving a second clerkship in a higher court remain exempt.Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) - Full-time state employees with 10+ years of service can apply for federal student loan forgiveness.Health Benefits - Eligible for comprehensive coverage for you and your eligible dependents through the State Health Benefits Program (SHBP).Paid Time Off - Earn up to 15 personal and 15 sick days.Competitive Salaries for the 2025-2026 Court TermSupreme Court: $79,456Superior Court Appellate Division: $72,540Superior Court Assignment Judge: $66,508Superior Court Chancery Division (General Equity): $66,508Superior Court Law Division (Civil, Criminal and Family): $61,256Tax Court: $61,256Salaries are based on a 52-week court term in addition to a one-week or two-week overlap as noted below, which will be paid at a separate weekly rate. The salaries above are for the 2025-2026 Court Term. The salaries for the 2026-2027 Court Term are to be determined based on funding availability.Court Term DatesSupreme Court and Superior Court Appellate Division: August 24, 2026 – August 27, 2027 (includes a one-week overlap).Superior Court Assignment Judge, Chancery Division, Law Division, and Tax Court: August 17, 2026 – August 27, 2027 (includes a two-week overlap).Take the Leap Toward Your Legal Future and ApplyApplications open on June 9, 2025, via the New Jersey Courts online application portal. Interviews begin on or after June 16, 2025.To learn more about New Jersey Courts Judicial Clerkship, visit www.njcourts.gov/public/find-jobs/become-a-law-clerk or scan the QR Code below.For questions, email lawclerkfaq@njcourts.govThis clerkship is more than just a job - it’s your gateway to a successful legal career. Don’t miss the chance to gain unparalleled experience, build lifelong connections, and contribute to impactful public service. Apply today and start your journey with New Jersey Courts!Note: Law clerks may hold outside employment with prior approval as provided in the Code of Conduct (Code) for Judiciary Employees. The Code is available online at Employee Code of Conduct | NJ CourtsAuthorization to Work: US citizenship is not required. Selected candidate must be authorized to work in the US according to Department of Homeland Security, US Citizenship and Immigration Services regulations. Special Note: Individuals selected for clerkships must agree to a thorough background check, which will also include fingerprinting. All data received will be kept in the strictest confidence except to inform the individual of the findings and what action will be taken as a result of this information.
