Appellate Law Clerk

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

Provides highly complex legal research, writing, editing and other assistance to a justice or judge of the Colorado Appellate Courts. Reviews appeals assigned to chambers; prepares predisposition memoranda; reviews parties' statements of relevant facts and applicability of cited legal authority; analyzes legal issues raised by the parties; reviews and digests referring court record on appeal, and researches and analyzes law relevant to issues on appeal. Works with justice or judge to research, write, and edit opinions, including concurring or dissenting opinions. Prepares opinions for issuance, including final editing, citation and record checking, and preparing opinion in final format for issuance. May review briefs for compliance with appellate rules. May assist judge or justice with the recruitment process for appellate law clerks. Performs bailiff responsibilities; prepares courtroom for oral arguments; serve as bailiff/timekeeper during arguments; restores courtroom following arguments. Performs administrative and organizational responsibilities, including pulling and distributing case materials. Attends meetings and training as required. Performs other duties as assigned.

Essential Functions

• Reviews appeals assigned to chambers; prepares predisposition memoranda;
• reviews parties' statements of relevant facts and applicability of cited legal authority;
• analyzes legal issues raised by the parties;
• reviews and digests referring court record on appeal, and researches and analyzes law relevant to issues on appeal.
• Works with justice or judge to research, write, and edit opinions, including concurring or dissenting opinions.
• Prepares opinions for issuance, including final editing, citation and record checking, and preparing opinion in final format for issuance.
• May review briefs for compliance with appellate rules.
• May assist judge or justice with the recruitment process for appellate law clerks.
• Performs bailiff responsibilities; prepares courtroom for oral arguments; serve as bailiff/timekeeper during arguments; restores courtroom following arguments.
• Performs administrative and organizational responsibilities, including pulling and distributing case materials.
• Attends meetings and training as required.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Supervisor Responsibilities

• Responsible for one's own work product and some positions may provide guidance, assistance, or mentorship to less knowledgeable or experienced coworkers, volunteers, or interns. This may include scheduling of work, instructing in work methods, and reviewing work products.

Minimum Qualifications

• Minimum Education: Graduation from an accredited law school and must be able to serve one year as an Appellate Law Clerk.