Law Clerk-Land Court

Title: Law Clerk - Land Court

Pay Grade: 16

Starting Pay: $77,452.44/Yr.

Departmental Mission Statement: The Land Court’s mission is to provide an accessible forum where specialized expertise is applied to resolve disputes involving the ownership, development, and use of real property throughout the Commonwealth.  The judges and staff are committed to serving the public and the real estate and trial bars in a respectful, efficient manner by issuing decisions that are equitable and legally well-reasoned, and by providing readily available, reliable guidance to property owners and registries of deeds regarding registered land transactions.

LAND COURT ORGANIZATIONAL PROFILE:

Notes: 

This clerkship is a one-year position, beginning August 31st, 2026 and running through August 27th, 2027, with the possibility of beginning a few days earlier.

PLEASE NOTE: Applicants must upload a resume (in PDF format please) along with a writing sample, and transcript to their profile in the applicant tracking system.  Please do NOT send references or letters of recommendation at this time to the Trial Court.

Position Summary: The law clerk position is responsible for performing legal research and writing assignments to assist the Justices of the Land Court Department of the Massachusetts Trial Court, for a one-year term with the possibility of a second year.  The Land Court, located at 3 Pemberton Square, is a trial court of special jurisdiction, and provides an unparalleled opportunity for significant research and writing experience, observation of courtroom practice, and working closely with one or more justices for the duration of the clerkship.  Land Court clerkships are particularly rewarding to those with interests in land use and real property law, and candidates who demonstrate such interests and experience are strongly encouraged to apply.

Duties: Land use cases involving zoning and subdivision law comprise a substantial portion of the Land Court’s docket.  The remainder of the Court’s docket includes cases involving title or boundary disputes, and other aspects of real property law.  The Land Court’s jurisdiction extends to the entire Commonwealth.  While the justices of the Land Court sit primarily in Boston, they also sit elsewhere in Massachusetts to conduct trials and motion sessions. Trials in the Land Court are without juries.

Law clerks work closely with the justices on all aspects of the Court’s proceedings. Duties include attending and assisting with court sessions, performing legal research, preparing memoranda on cases and legal issues, and drafting decisions and orders.  Topics of research include not only substantive questions of law, but also questions involving rules of civil procedure and evidentiary issues.  Land Court law clerks emerge with a solid grounding in general civil courtroom practice.

Minimum Requirements: These are the minimum requirements necessary to apply for the position of Law Clerk:

• Juris Doctor degree from an accredited law school, as of the start of the clerkship.
• Excellent legal writing and communication skills.
• Excellent legal research and analytical skills, using both online and book resources.
• High professional and ethical standards.
• Proficiency in the use of personal computers, including word processing programs such as Microsoft Word, and legal research services such as Fastcase, Lexis, or Westlaw.
• Demonstrated ability to follow written and oral instructions.
• Demonstrated ability to manage, prioritize, and complete simultaneous assignments.
• Demonstrated ability to work well independently while maintaining productivity and demonstrating good judgment.
• Demonstrated ability to meet deadlines and otherwise complete assignments in a timely manner.
• Demonstrated ability to work well with others in a professional setting, including judges, managers, court staff, and other law clerks.    
• Genuine commitment to serving the full term of the clerkship.
• Massachusetts residency is not required at the time of application, but law clerks must reside in Massachusetts at the commencement and throughout the duration of the clerkship.

• Additional preferred qualifications include:

  • • Membership in the Massachusetts Bar.  
    • Substantial legal research and writing experience, including prior experience as a judicial intern, volunteer, fellow or clerk for a state or federal court; or other legal experience in the fields of real estate and land use.