Law Clerk ; U At-, in Silver , NM

Law Clerk 1 (U) #, Full-Time, At-Will, in Silver City, NM

New Mexico Courts is seeking a full-time, at-will Law Clerk 1 to support District Court Judges in Silver City, New Mexico. Opening Date: 11-12-2025. Close Date: –. Target Pay Range/Rate: $35,444 per hour or $73,715 annually.

General Statement of Duties:
Acting under general direction, work as support staff to District Court Judges on assigned cases, perform legal research, analysis, writing and editing. Finalist(s) may be subject to criminal background checks.

• Review cases, analyze briefs, records and legal authorities cited.
• Prepare legal drafts by assembling and organizing information for legal forms and documents.
• Process complaints, declarations, discovery requests, responses, and other pleadings.
• Evaluate the merits of legal arguments by researching 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, documents, reports and evidence.
• Maintain calendar by entering and updating requirements, court dates and meetings.
• Perform legal research and analysis.
• Prepare and oversee bench memos for cases.
• Recommend appropriate court calendaring.
• Assist with and delegate in‑court functions and processes.
• Review and analyze records and transcripts.
• Perform technical editing of legal documents.
• Draft opinions, calendar notices, orders, memoranda and decisions for review and final approval.
• Discuss confidential and sensitive issues with justices or judges.
• Participate in special projects, presentations and training.
• Other duties as assigned.

The successful applicant should demonstrate knowledge of the United States and New Mexico constitutions, federal law, New Mexico case law, statutes, rules, policies and procedures; legal terminology, Code of Judicial Conduct;
Rules of Professional Conduct; court jurisdiction and operations; manual and computerized legal research; principles of legal analysis and writing; filing systems New Mexico case law and statutes and court jurisdiction.

Work is performed in an office or court setting. A valid driver's license and travel may be required. The assigned work schedule may include nights, weekends, holidays and overtime. The employee must regularly interact positively with co‑workers, clients, the public and judges and justices.

This job description is illustrative only and is not a comprehensive listing of all functions performed.

• Medical/Dental/Vision/Rx, Short and Long Term Disability Insurance Programs, employee assistance program (EAP) link
• State paid life insurance, supplemental and dependent life insurance
• Optional flexible spending accounts for medical, day‑care and travel expenses
• Paid time off, up to eight weeks
• Paid time off and retirement buyback
• Eleven paid holidays
• Up to 12 weeks of paid parental leave
• Deferred Compensation 457(b) plan
• Lifetime Defined Benefits Retirement Plan link
• Flexible work schedules and alternative work locations
• Free health care, Rx and lab work at the facility (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

* These benefits vary by classification or need.

• Education:
  
  Must be a graduate of a law school meeting the standards of accreditation of the American Bar Association.
• Experience:
  
  One (1) year of experience performing legal research, analysis, writing and editing while employed or as a student.

Submit one of the following options:

• NM Judicial Branch Application for Employment, plus proof of education and writing samples.
• Resume and Resume Supplemental Form, plus proof of education and writing samples.

Microsoft Word Format
Adobe PDF Format

Microsoft Word Format
Adobe PDF Format

Submissions may be emailed to: sildsck, or mailed/delivered to:
Sixth Judicial District Court Attn:
Susan Kirker PO Box 2339, Silver City, NM 88062 (mailing) 201 N. Cooper St., Silver City, NM 88061 (physical).