The Rural Judicial Clerkship (RJC) offers selected law school graduates the opportunity to gain valuable experience working in rural communities under the guidance of state judicial district Chief Judges for 1 to 2-year clerkships. Clerks receive a fixed salary. Judges supervising judicial clerks are expected to provide legal research, writing, and court observation opportunities to the clerk; introduce the clerk to members of the legal community; attend local community, pro bono, and bar association events with the clerk; and provide professional mentorship and guidance to the clerk.

Eligibility and Requirements

Eligibility:

  • Candidate must be a graduate of an ABA-accredited law school
  • One (1) year of experience performing legal research, analysis, writing, and editing while employed or as a student
  • Selected clerks may be subject to criminal background check(s)

Requirements:

  • The clerkship opportunity is available for up to 2 years
  • Law clerks are full-time, at-will positions, and are hired directly by the Judicial District Court in the rural area, serving at the pleasure of the chief district court judge. Duties include working for the chief district court judge on assigned cases, and performing legal research, analysis, writing and editing

Placement:

  • Relocation to the rural area is required for the duration of the externship. Daily commuting to the rural area from a non-rural location is allowed on a case-by-case basis
  • Placements will be in New Mexico counties demonstrating the most need for legal services. No placements will be made in Bernalillo, Doña Ana, or Santa Fe Counties

Compensation:

  • Fixed salary of $78,000 per year, plus all judicial branch benefits

Application

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