Description

The Michigan Supreme Court is currently seeking qualified candidates to fill the position of Law Clerk in the Chambers of Supreme Court Justice-Richard Bernstein to begin in August 2021. The person in this position assists in the evaluation of cases filed with the Court, which includes reviewing Commissioner reports, proposed orders and opinions, and discussion of pending cases with the Justice.

Primary responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Review applications for leave to appeal and cases scheduled for conference consideration. As necessary, prepare summaries and recommendations for the Justice;
• Review memos prepared by the other Justices’ chambers and prepare responsive memos;
• Confer with the Justice on pending matters such as applications for leave to appeal, conference items, opinions, and orders;
• As directed by the Justice, draft memos to the Court advocating his position;
• Prepare bench memos in advance of oral arguments, including reviewing the case record, conducting required legal research, summarizing important facts and arguments, and providing a recommendation on disposition;
• Attend and review transcripts of oral arguments of assigned cases;
• Prepare draft opinions, concurrences, and dissents. Peer review opinions prepared by other clerks. Advocate proposed changes per the Justice’s instructions with regard to opinions issued by other chambers;
• Review and analyze administrative agenda items and conduct legal research and follow-up;
• Track current developments in the law, including reading Supreme Court and Court of Appeals opinions, legal periodicals, and other relevant information;
• Assign research projects to and supervise research activities of unpaid legal interns;
• Draft speeches and perform other duties as necessary.

Requirements

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE: Juris Doctor (JD) from an accredited law school. Significant experience involving legal research and writing. Proficiency in Microsoft Word and Windows. Experience with the Court of Appeals or other judicial forum may be preferred by the hiring Justice.

LOCATION: Work may occur remotely with limited in-person obligations at the Hall of Justice. Flexibility may exist depending upon job duties and demands to arrange a partial remote schedule.

TO APPLY: Please send your cover letter, résumé, transcripts (unofficial is acceptable), a list of three references, and one writing sample in either Microsoft Word or Adobe Acrobat to jobapps@courts.mi.gov. Please include, “Clerkship- Justice Bernstein” in the subject line.

SALARY RANGE: $67,964.40 - $88,677.36

APPLICATION DEADLINE: June 30, 2021, 5:00 p.m.

AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER