Law Clerk Rural Justice Initiative #10118722

Job Summary

GENERAL STATEMENT OF DUTIES

Work as personal staff to the chief district judge, on assigned cases, perform legal research, analysis, writing, and editing. Finalist(s) may be subject to criminal background check(s). This clerkship position is part of the New Mexico Judicial Branch's Rural Justice Initiative, a program designed to inspire new lawyers to foster deep community connections and embrace practicing law in rural communities. Practical on-the-job training, hands-on experience, and opportunities for community engagement await. Law clerks hired under this initiative are at-will positions serving at the pleasure of the chief district court judge. The clerkships may last up to two years. Responsibilities The Law Clerk is responsible for reviewing cases, analyzing briefs, records and legal authorities cited. Prepares legal drafts by assembling and organizing information for legal forms and documents. Process complaints, declarations, discovery requests, responses, and other pleadings. Evaluates the merits of legal arguments by researching laws, statutes, constitutions, regulations, court opinions, and precedents. Analyzes and assesses the impact of applicable law. Assists in preparing for oral arguments, and "briefs-only" conferences. Assembles case materials by collecting, organizing, and summarizing information, documents, reports, and evidence. Maintains calendar by entering and updating requirements, court dates, and meetings. Performs legal research and analysis. Prepares and oversees bench memos for cases. Recommends appropriate court calendaring. Assists with and delegates in-court functions and processes. Reviews and analyzes records and transcripts. Performs technical editing of legal documents. Drafts opinions, calendar notices, orders, memoranda, and decisions for review and final approval. Discusses confidential and sensitive issues with justices or judges. Participates in special projects, presentations, and training.

COMPETENCIES/QUALIFICATIONS

The successful applicant should demonstrate their knowledge of the United States and New Mexico constitutions, federal law, New Mexico case law, statutes, rules, policies and procedures; legal terminology, Code of Judicial Conduct; Rules of Professional Conduct; court jurisdiction and operations; manual and computerized legal research; principles of legal analysis and writing; filing systems New Mexico case law and statutes and court jurisdiction.

Pay:

From $37.50 per hour

Benefits:

Dental insurance Employee assistance program Health insurance Life insurance Paid time off Retirement plan Vision insurance

Work Location:

In person