Mexico Judicial Branch Rural Justice Initiative Clerkship Program Law Clerk ; U

NEW MEXICO JUDICIAL BRANCH RURAL JUSTICE INITIATIVE CLERKSHIP PROGRAM LAW CLERK 1 (U) #, & #

Full‑Time, At‑Will, in Gallup, NM. This is a Law Clerk 1 position for the Eleventh Judicial District Court.

• Business Unit: 24100
• # of Positions: 2
• Opening Date: 11‑04‑2025
• Close Date: –
• Target Pay Range/Rate: $78,000 annually (or $37.500 hourly)

This role provides legal research, writing, and assistance to district court judges. Law clerks may also support self‑represented litigants and other court programs. The clerkship is part of the New Mexico Judicial Branch’s Rural Justice Initiative, offering a two‑year training period and full judicial branch benefits.

• Review cases, analyze briefs, records, and legal authorities cited.
• Prepare legal drafts for forms and documents.
• Process complaints, declarations, discovery requests, responses, and other pleadings.
• Research laws, statutes, constitutions, regulations, court opinions and precedents.
• Analyze and assess the impact of applicable law.
• Assist in preparing for oral arguments and "briefs‑only" conferences.
• Assemble case materials by collecting, organizing, and summarizing information.
• Maintain calendar of court dates and meetings.
• Prepare bench memos for cases and recommend appropriate court dating.
• Assist with in‑court functions and processes.
• Perform technical editing of legal documents.
• Draft opinions, calendar notices, orders, memoranda and decisions for review.
• Discuss confidential issues with judges.
• Participate in special projects, presentations, and training.

• Knowledge of U.S. and New Mexico constitutions, federal law, New Mexico case law, statutes, rules, and policies.
• Familiarity with the Code of Judicial Conduct and Rules of Professional Conduct.
• Ability to conduct manual and computerized legal research.
• Strong principles of legal analysis and writing, filing systems, and court jurisdiction.

• Medical/Dental/Vision/Rx insurance, short and long‑term disability, and employee assistance program (EAP).
• State‑paid life insurance, supplemental and dependent life coverage.
• Optional flexible spending accounts for medical, day‑care, and travel expenses.
• Paid time off (up to eight weeks), 11 paid holidays, and up to 12 weeks of paid parental leave.
• Deferred Compensation 457(b) plan.
• Lifetime Defined Benefits Retirement Plan.
• Flexible work schedules and alternative work locations.
• Free health care, Rx, and lab work at the Stay Well Health Center in Santa Fe, NM.
• Bilingual compensation.
• Training and career development opportunities.
• Higher education opportunities, educational leave, and tuition reimbursement.
• May qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF).
• May receive overtime holiday or shift differential pay.
• May receive physical fitness leave.
• * Benefits vary by job classification or need.

• Must be a graduate of an ABA‑accredited law school.
• One (1) year of experience performing legal research, analysis, writing, and editing.

Submit a Judicial Branch Application for Employment or a resume with a supplemental form and a writing sample to the Eleventh Judicial District & Magistrate Courts Human Resources, 103 S. Oliver, Aztec, NM 87410. Fax: 505‑334‑7762. Email: 11thjdchr. Provide proof of education; incomplete applications will be rejected.

New Mexico Courts is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified candidates will receive consideration for employment and advancement without regard to race, color, national origin, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, status as a person with a disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.