Law Clerk - Circuit Courts

Brief Description

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.

This job description should not be interpreted as all-inclusive. It is intended to identify the essential functions and minimum qualifications of this job. The incumbent(s) may be required to perform job-related responsibilities and tasks other than those stated in this job description. Nothing in this job description restricts management’s right to assign or reassign job-related responsibilities and tasks to this job at any time.

Certain functions are understood to be essential; these include, but are not limited to, attendance, getting along with others, working a full shift, and dealing with and working under stress. Any essential function of this class will be evaluated as necessary should an incumbent/applicant be unable to perform the function or requirement due to a disability as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

Reasonable accommodation for the specific disability will be made for the incumbent/applicant only to the extent medically and reasonably feasible.

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 (decedent’s 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 ensure 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 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; communicate 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 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…