Law Clerk

Colorado Judicial Branch; Cortez (CO); On-site; USD 62,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Colorado Judicial Branch seeks a law clerk to assist a district court judge with research, writing, and analysis of legal authorities.

The position involves handling opinions, briefs, and motions under supervision by a Judicial Officer. Assignment is temporary, up to one year, with salary set under the Colorado Judicial System rules and relevant experience.

Qualifications

• A bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university and successful completion of two years at an accredited law school.

Responsibilities

• Researches and annotates laws, court decisions, documents, opinions, briefs, and related legal authorities to process suits, trials, hearings, appeals, and other litigated matters.
• Reads briefs and motions and extracts excerpts pertinent to points of law and fact.
• Prepares briefs, legal memoranda, and statement of issues involved in a case, including appropriate suggestions or recommendations to the judge.
• Maintains the order, decorum, and dignity of the court by seating jurors, witnesses, and spectators in specific areas of the courtroom and by ejecting persons disturbing court proceedings.
• Obtains and delivers file jackets, minutes, supplies, forms and related items necessary for use by the judge and the staff.
• Attends meetings and training as required.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Education

Bachelor's degree

Two years at law school

Job description

POSITION INFORMATION

Job Code: R45010

Full Time Salary Range: $62,155.44 - $90,126.36

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 assistance and research to a district court judge in the Colorado Judicial Department.

Distinguishing Factors

Positions in this classification are distinguished from legal research attorneys due to the concentration on legal services for a district judge and often includes courtroom and bailiff duties. Supervision is received from a District Court Judge. The Law Clerk is a classified, non-certified position that is considered at-will and may be terminated at any time with or without cause.

Additional Comments

Law clerk positions are temporary work assignments with the court for up to one-year. This position is responsible for legal work serving both District and County Court matters. Work involves legal research, writing and other related duties. Work is supervised by a Judicial Officer and is reviewed through conference and written reports.

Salary for this position will be established in accordance with the Colorado Judicial System Personnel Rules and the FY26 Compensation Step Plan. Placement within plan will be determined based on minimum qualifications, and the relevant experience of the successful candidate.

Applicants must submit: a resume; undergraduate and law school transcripts; three letters of recommendation; and writing sample of unpublished material, preferably unedited by anyone else.

Essential Functions

• Researches, studies, and annotates laws, court decisions, documents, opinions, briefs, and related legal authorities to process suits, trials, hearings, appeals, and other litigated matters.
• Reads and digests opinions, briefs, and motions and extracts excerpts pertinent to points of law and fact.
• Prepares briefs, legal memoranda, and statement of issues involved in a case, including appropriate suggestions or recommendations to the judge.
• Inspects courtroom for cleanliness, orderliness, proper heat, light, and ventilation; opens court by announcing the entrance of the judge.
• Maintains the order, decorum, and dignity of the court by seating jurors, witnesses, and spectators in specific areas of the courtroom and by ejecting persons disturbing court proceedings.
• Arranges for food and lodging for jurors, and is responsible for the security of the jury so as to preclude mistrials.
• Obtains and delivers file jackets, minutes, supplies, forms and related items necessary for use by the judge and the staff.
• Attends meetings and training as required.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Essential Functions Cont.

Supervisor Responsibilities:

No formal supervisory responsibility. Responsibility for one's own work product and work within a unit performing similar functions. Rarely provides lead function, advice, or explains work instructions to other employees or volunteers.

Minimum Qualifications

Minimum Education:

A bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university and successful completion of two years at an accredited law school.

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.