Law Clerk

Hanover County Government; Virginia (MN); On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

The Hanover County Circuit Court seeks two Law Clerks to support judges by conducting detailed legal research, analyzing complex issues, and preparing reasoned reports in a limited-term capacity.

Applicants must have a law degree or be obtaining one prior to employment; duties include reviewing memoranda, observing court proceedings, drafting briefs, and assisting with motions and pre-trial materials.

Qualifications

• Graduation from an accredited school of law.
• Strong research and writing skills.
• Ability to analyze complex legal issues and prepare complete reports.

Responsibilities

• Reviews and prepares research memoranda on domestic cases (support, custody, dissolution).
• Evaluates compliance with statutes and court procedures in divorce actions.
• Observes oral arguments and trial proceedings.
• Drafts briefs and researches memoranda on motions and pre-trial documents.
• Reviews habeas corpus petitions and related court orders.
• Performs bench research on evidence, case law and sentencing.
• Communicates with attorneys regarding procedural matters.
• Performs related duties as assigned.

Skills

Legal research

Legal analysis

Oral & written communication

Education

Law degree (J.D.)

Job description

THIS POSTING IS FOR TWO APPOINTMENTS – APPLICANT MUST HAVE A LAW DEGREE OR OBTAINING A LAW DEGREE PRIOR TO EMPLOYMENT

PLEASE REVIEW INFORMATION BELOW FOR FURTHER DETAILS.

If you're earning your law degree now or have recently graduated, this role is your gateway to influential, meaningful work in public service and the legal profession. The Hanover County Circuit Court is seeking two exceptional Law Clerks to support our Judges in delivering fair, timely, and well-reasoned decisions. This limited-term appointment offers an unparalleled opportunity to apply your legal training in real time conducting skilled research, analyzing complex issues, observing court proceedings, and contributing directly to the judicial process.

General Description: This is a paraprofessional position. The incumbent performs highly confidential, complex tasks assisting the Circuit Court Judges by providing a variety of legal services, skilled research and evaluation duties.

Organization: The Law Clerk reports to the Circuit Court Judges and supervises no staff.

Essential Functions:

• Reviews/prepares research memoranda concerning support, custody, visitation, equitabledistribution and injunctions in domestic cases.
• Reviews and evaluates compliance with statutory and court procedure in divorce actions.
• Reads and evaluates depositions.
• Contacts attorneys regarding procedural irregularities and substantive deficiencies in depositions.
• Evaluates/discusses the priority of pendemte lite orders, final decrees, garnishments and payroll deductions orders.
• Reviews Commissioner reports.
• Evaluates/prepares briefs and researches memoranda concerning motions, petitions and pre-trial documents.
• Observes oral arguments and trial presentations.
• Briefs and formulates issues judges.
• Reviews habeas corpus petitions.
• Performs bench research on issues arising in the course of court hearings, including questions as to evidence admissibility, case law and sentencing.
• Performs related work as assigned.

Working Conditions:

A. Hazards

• None known

B. Environment

• Office

C. Physical Effort

• Minimal

D. Exempt

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: Requires knowledge of laws/regulations/procedures that govern the operation of the Circuit Court. Must understand the methods of legal research and its sources and materials. Knowledge of the principles and practices of substantive and procedural law, required. Must have the ability to research legal information fully and accurately to meet mandated timeframes. Must be able to analyze and organize complex legal and technical issues so as to make appropriate recommendations or to provide complete reports. Requires excellent communication skills, both orally and in writing.

Education, Experience and Training: Requires graduation from an accredited school of law.

Special Conditions:

• Limited Term
• Criminal Records Check, including fingerprinting
• Twelve-month probationary period

APPOINTMENT TERM #1: August 16, 2027, to August 15, 2028

APPOINTMENT TERM #2: September 1, 2027, to August 31, 2028