Law Clerk - Land Court Department

About the role

The Land Court’s mission is to provide an accessible forum where specialized expertise is applied to resolve disputes involving the ownership, development, and use of real property throughout the Commonwealth. The judges and staff are committed to serving the public and the real estate and trial bars in a respectful, efficient manner by issuing decisions that are equitable and legally well-reasoned, and by providing readily available, reliable guidance to property owners and registries of deeds regarding registered land transactions.

The law clerk position is responsible for performing legal research and writing assignments to assist the Justices of the Land Court Department of the Massachusetts Trial Court, for a one-year term with possibility for a second year. The Land Court, located at 3 Pemberton Square, is a trial court of special jurisdiction, and provides an unparalleled opportunity for significant research and writing experience, observation of courtroom practice, and working closely with one or more justices for the duration of the clerkship. Land Court clerkships are particularly rewarding to those with interests in land use and real property law, and candidates who demonstrate such interests and experience are strongly encouraged to apply. Land use cases involving zoning and subdivision law comprise a substantial portion of the Land Court’s docket. The remainder of the Court’s docket includes cases involving title or boundary disputes, and other aspects of real property law. The Land Court’s jurisdiction extends to the entire Commonwealth. While the justices of the Land Court sit primarily in Boston, they also sit elsewhere in Massachusetts to conduct trials and motion sessions. Trials in the Land Court are without juries. Law clerks work closely with the justices on all aspects of the Court’s proceedings.

This clerkship is a one-year position, beginning August 30th, 2027 and running through August 25th, 2028, with possibility of beginning a few days earlier.

Responsibilities

• Researches and drafts orders and decisions in accordance with the guidance, supervision, and edits of the Judge.
• Drafts docket entries for court proceedings.
• Reviews Judge’s decisions/documents.
• Performs legal research and analysis.
• Produces findings of fact, judgments, and legal research memoranda.
• Communicates with judges and members of the legal research department about assignments and managing a local case list.
• Acts as lead worker. Provides guidance and