Law Clerk - Circuit Courts

Law Clerk - Circuit Courts (Administrative)

Department:
Tenth Division Circuit Court

Position Control Number:

FLSA Status:
Personal Staff not subject to FLSA

Safety Sensitive Designation:
This position is not designated as safety-sensitive.

Random Drug/Alcohol Test:
No

Opening Date:
February 26, 2026

Closing Date:
March 31, 2026 at 11:59 PM

An Equal Opportunity Employer

Attention: certain duties are particular to case type and court and may not be performed by all employees.

Researches legal issues arising in any of the types of cases heard in the domestic relations, probate, civil, criminal, and juvenile divisions of Circuit Court; prepares memos outlining the legal research and/or prepares opinions or orders as requested by the Judge; drafts proposed orders for the court's review and approval; ensures attorney-submitted orders are accurate and filed in a timely manner.

• Reviews case files prior to hearings to ensure procedural and substantive legal requirements are met and provides any additional case‑related information the Judge requests.
• Researches and becomes knowledgeable on a wide range of legal issues and subjects heard in Circuit Court, including:
  • Domestic relations law (divorce, child custody, child support, paternity, domestic violence, etc.)
  • Probate law (decedents estates, guardian ships, adoptions, conservatorships, etc.)
  • Civil law (constitutional law, personal injury, medical malpractice, breach of contract, appeals from administrative agencies, appeals from District Court, etc.)
  • Criminal law
  • Juvenile law
• Monitors changes in the law and in the rules of the Arkansas Supreme Court.
• Prepares a summary of each case prior to hearings to assist the Judge, including a summary of the facts and citations for any relevant case law.
• Researches legal issues and prepares memoranda and/or opinions for review by the Judge on issues related to any subjects addressed.
• Drafts court orders consistent with the Judge’s rulings and decisions; e‑file orders as needed.
• Maintains checklists and calendars to ensure orders are timely submitted by attorneys and that the orders are accurate and filed in a timely manner.
• Reviews all incoming pleadings requiring the Judge’s attention; coordinates requests for hearings with counsel and the Trial Court Administrator.
• Analyzes motions that do not require hearings for procedural and substantive legal accuracy, as well as for the completeness of all information the Judge requires for adjudication; communicates with attorneys and self‑represented litigants to obtain any missing, necessary documents before presenting the matter to the Judge for adjudication.
• Attends hearings and trials, noting legal issues requiring resolution.
• Maintains a legal library and online research materials.
• Maintains knowledge of the Arkansas Rules of Civil Procedure, Rules of Criminal Procedure, Rules of Evidence, and all other court rules that affect cases brought before the Court.
• Reviews and adheres to the Arkansas Code of Judicial Conduct and rules that affect the conduct of attorneys.
• Communicates with the Pulaski County Circuit Clerk’s Office and the Perry County Circuit Clerk to obtain relevant information concerning case filings, orders, appeals, and other matters.
• Communicates with the Arkansas Supreme Court Clerk’s Office regarding case filings, orders, appeals, and other matters.
• Communicates with Arkansas courts, out-of-state courts, and federal courts regarding inter‑jurisdictional transfers, venue issues, jurisdiction issues, and other matters.
• Communicates with attorneys and self‑represented litigants regarding case filings, submitted orders, hearings, appeals, and other matters.
• Assists the Judge as needed concerning new issues raised during hearings and trials by conducting research in an expedient manner.
• Conducts special projects as requested, e.g., organizing a trial binder for jury trials.

Performs other related duties as required.

None

Work is performed in a smoking‑restricted office environment. May occasionally attend court in Perry County.