Law Clerk - Massachusetts Appeals Court
Posting for the 2027-2028 court year (August 2027 through August 2028). The Appeals Court expects to hire approximately twenty-six law clerks. Interviews and hiring decisions will be made on a rolling basis between August and December 2026.
About the Court
The Massachusetts Appeals Court is committed to doing justice under the law by rendering thoughtful, well-reasoned appellate decisions in a timely and efficient manner, treating all who come before the court fairly and impartially. It is a court of general appellate jurisdiction, handling a large caseload in both criminal and civil matters. Created in 1972, the Appeals Court is comprised of a Chief Justice and twenty-four Associate Justices. The Chief Justice has two law clerks; each Associate Justice has one law clerk.
Responsibilities
- Reading briefs, record appendices, and transcripts in preparation for oral arguments.
- Researching and writing legal memoranda on a wide variety of criminal and civil issues.
- Attending oral arguments.
- Discussing and analyzing pending cases with a Justice.
- Assisting with researching and drafting judicial decisions.
- Editing, cite checking, and proofreading legal memoranda and draft decisions.
- Assisting with supervision and education of judicial interns, as needed.
- Performing other related work, as required.
Requirements
- Graduation from an accredited law school (it is not necessary to sit for the Massachusetts Bar Exam).
- Superior academic achievement.
- Strong interest in and ability to perform legal research and writing.
- Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work professionally with all court personnel.
- Ability to communicate clearly and effectively, both orally and in writing.
- Ability to work independently and prioritize assignments.
- Knowledge of, and ability to use, Microsoft Windows, Word, and legal research tools, including Lexis.
- Massachusetts residence by the starting date of the clerkship.
Pay
$84,244 (as of June 2026).