Judicial Clerkships : New Jersey

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The Law Clerk posting above leads you to the NJ Clerkship Portal.  While the portal is the official way to apply for the clerkships, be sure to take advantage of every opportunity to apply.

Portal The NJ Courts have created an online portal for postings and applications                                              https://njcourts.gov/public/lawclerks.html

Postings In addition to posting information on the HR Portal, some judges may post their clerkships on Symplicity or another job site, such as Linked In.  Apply for these opportunities even if you have already applied to the Judge through the portal.  Some judges will post on the NJ Courts job page: https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/njjudiciary

Pro-Active Outreach:  If you are interested in a particular court or county, you can contact those courts directly and ask whether the judge is seeking a clerk.  

Why clerk in NJ?

There are over 400 judges in New Jersey and each of them hires a new clerk for a one year position beginning in August or September.  Employers love clerkship experience.  Many legal jobs list a 1-2 year requirement and clerking gives you the experience necessary to get these positions.  New Jersey judges make offers early in the year which means you may go into your 3L year knowing that you have already secured a position.

Do I need to live in NJ to be a clerk?

There is no residency requirements for judicial law clerks.  Many alumni have lived in Philadelphia or other parts of PA and commuted to New Jersey clerkships.

Do I have to sit for the NJ Bar if I apply for a NJ Clerkship?

No.  Clerkships do not have a bar requirement. Some judges may be interested in whether you plan to practice in the area after graduation, but sitting for the NJ Bar is never a requirement.

What if a judge is not listed on the portal?

If a Judge is not listed on the online system they may add their post later.  If you are particularly interested in working with that judge you should submit your application to them directly.  Call the judge's chamber to inquire about the position and ask if you can send your application to them via email.

Who should I contact with questions? 

The application system is entirely maintained by the State of New Jersey.  CSO has no oversight.  If you need technical assistance, please contact Lauren Morales by calling (609) 815-2900 ext. 54811 or emailing LawClerkFAQ@njcourts.gov.  CSO can help with your overall application process. We can work with you to develop application materials, prep for interviews and handle offers.

Where can I get a complete list of New Jersey Judges?

Chamber Listings - http://www.judiciary.state.nj.us/public/assets/directories/judgtara.pdf

Assignment Order - http://www.judiciary.state.nj.us/attorneys/assets/gao/gao2016_2017.pdf

How should I decide which judges to whom I should apply?

• Apply broadly – but if you need to narrow it down focus on either geographic area or practice area. 
• Keep in mind that judges closest to Philadelphia and New York City likely receive the most applications.  It can be a smart strategic move to apply outside of that area. 
• Ask employers or faculty about judges they recommend.
• Focus on the court that a judge works in, as well as their experience prior to coming to the bench.

Where do law clerks work after their clerkship?

Everywhere.  Here is a sample of the post-clerkship employment from our most recent classes: