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

• 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.
• 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.
• Attends meetings and training as required.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Supervisor Responsibilities

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.