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Job Description
Appellate Law Clerk
JOB CODE JD06543 LOCATION
Denver / Denver County
DEPARTMENT
Court of Appeals POSTED 18-Jun-2026 CLOSES 01-Jul-2026 POSITION
NUMBER 70012 FTE LEVEL 1.0 POSITION INFORMATION
Job Code:
R45030
Full Time Salary Range:
$67,910.40 - $98,470.92
FLSA Status:
Excluded Learn more about employee benefits This posting may be used to create a Talent Pool. Talent Pools may be used for a period of 10 months after the closing date on a job posting. Notice to
Colorado Applicants:
In compliance with the Colorado Job Application Fairness Act, in any materials you submit, you may redact or remove age-identifying information such as age, date of birth, or dates of school attendance or graduation. You will not be penalized for redacting or removing this information.
MISSION STATEMENT
The Judicial Department works to provide equal access to justice, contribute to public safety, and strengthen the rule of law across Colorado. Together our courts and probation departments are committed to impartial and timely dispute resolution; support for families, litigants, and victims; client rehabilitation; and meaningful community engagement.
STATEMENT OF DUTIES
General Statement Of Duties:
Provides highly complex legal research, writing, editing and other assistance to a justice or judge of the Colorado Appellate Courts.
Distinguishing Factors:
Positions in this classification are distinguished from other Law Clerks by the supervision of a single justice or judge of the appellate court. Appellate Law Clerks are distinguished from other positions of the Appellate Courts by performing general legal research for a single justice or judge of the Appellate Court. While exercising some independent judgment, most work product is subject to inspection and review. Appellate Law Clerk serves in a classified, non-certified position that is considered at-will and may be terminated at any time with or without cause.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
Judge Moultrie is currently accepting applications for law clerks for a minimum two-year term, with the potential of continuing the clerkship for a longer term. Applicants should note their availability for a longer term in their cover letter. Applicants must submit the following documents: (1) cover letter; (2) resume; (3) official law school transcript; (4) writing sample of no more than 10 pages that has not substantially been edited by someone else, and is preferably a legal brief, memorandum, or similar, rather than a law review article or law school paper; (5) three letters of recommendation, preferably included with the application packet (letters from employers must be from an employment relationship no more than two years old and applicants should not submit more than one letter from a law school professor).
Additional information:
Applicants may address any challenges or life experiences that make the applicant's background unique. Please note any prior research, writing, editing experience (including law journal experience), as well as any prior judicial internship or clerkship experience. A talent pool will be created from this posting for future law clerk positions.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
Reviews appeals assigned to chambers; prepares predisposition memoranda; reviews parties' statements of relevant facts and applicability of cited legal authority; analyzes legal issues raised by the parties; reviews and digests referring court record on appeal, and researches and analyzes law relevant to issues on appeal. Works with justice or judge to research, write, and edit opinions, including concurring or dissenting opinions. Prepares opinions for issuance, including final editing, citation and record checking, and preparing opinion in final format for issuance. May review briefs for compliance with appellate rules. May assist judge or justice with the recruitment process for appellate law clerks. Performs bailiff responsibilities; prepares courtroom for oral arguments; serve as bailiff/timekeeper during arguments; restores courtroom following arguments. Performs administrative and organizational responsibilities, including pulling and distributing case materials. Attends meetings and training as required. Performs other duties as assigned.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS CONT.
Supervisor Responsibilities:
Responsible for one's own work product and some positions may provide guidance, assistance, or mentorship to less knowledgeable or experienced coworkers, volunteers, or interns. This may include scheduling of work, instructing in work methods, and reviewing work products.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Minimum Education:
Graduation from an accredited law school and must be able to serve one year as an Appellate Law Clerk.
Physical Demands:
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit, reach with hands and arms, and talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to walk; use hands and arms to perform repetitive motions; and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 10 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, and ability to adjust focus.
Work Environment:
Occasionally handles emergency or crisis situations; frequently subject to interruptions and multiple calls and inquiries. The noise level in the work environment is usually quiet.
