2026 1L Diversity Clerkship Employer Statement

Primary Area of Practice

Government

Training Provided

All summer clerkships will receive a standardized onboarding program for all new employees. In addition, summer clerkships also have the ability to participate in other internship programming offered over the summer, such as workshops, trainings on the areas of the Court, and some cohort-based programming. 

Pro Bono & Community Involvement

None to minimal. At times summer clerks are exposed to the community involvement programs that their assigned Judge is participating in over the summer. 

Commitment to Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

Diversity is one our values in the 4th District "We best fulfill our mission when we reflect the community we serve – and foster a more equitable and inclusive culture along the way." In addition, we have a local Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Office that works to assist all areas of the district in our community engagement, examining data and policies, leading inclusive development programs, and in developing strategic communications. 

Summer Clerkship Description

Summer clerkships report to a Judge in an assigned division and will complete a variety of projects and assignments including:

• Reviews, studies, researches, and annotates laws, court decisions, documents, opinions, briefs, and related legal authorities.
• Prepares briefs, legal memoranda, and statement of issues involved; makes appropriate suggestions or recommendations to the judge.
• Compiles references on laws and decisions necessary for legal determinations
• Confers with judge or court official concerning legal questions, construction of documents, and granting of orders.
• Attends court sessions to hear oral arguments and record necessary case information; maintains records attendant to court proceedings.
• Performs courtroom duties including calling the calendar, swearing in jury panels and witness, taking court minutes, and assisting in various court proceedings such as arraignments, motions, hearings, pre-trial conferences, and trials.

Successful Candidate Description

• Some knowledge of general law, state law, established precedent, and sources of legal reference.
• Some knowledge of court practices and procedures.
• Ability to communicate clearly and concisely, both orally, in writing, and with a diverse group of people.
• Ability to represent the court in a respectful manner.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others.
• Skill in operating a personal computer with word processing and legal research software.

Summer Clerkship Salary & Benefits

Benefits: Summer clerkships are not benefit eligible.

Pay Rate: $25.27 - $26.59/hr