Law Clerk - Land Court Department

Official Title: Law Clerk - Land Court Department

Pay Grade: Grade 16S

Salary Range: 16S Entry Level Pay $70,785.78 to Pay Range Maximum $104,327.08

Starting Pay: $83,495.88

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 30th, 2027 and running through August 25th, 2028, with possibility of beginning a few days earlier. 

Applicants must upload a resume, writing sample, and law school transcript (in PDF format please) 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 possibility for 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.

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.

Supervision Received: Works under the direction of the Department Head or his/her designee.

Essential Functions and Responsibilities:

• Researches and drafts orders and decisions in accordance with the guidance, supervision, and edits of the Judge.
• Drafts docket entries for court proceedings. Reviews Judge’s decisions/documents.
• Performs legal research and analysis. Produces findings of fact, judgments, and legal research memoranda.
• Communicates with judges and members of the legal research department about assignments and managing a local case list.
• Acts as lead worker. Provides guidance and training to lower-level employees.
• Performs administrative tasks, including listing and organizing assignments, tracking, recording time, and communicating with supervisor regarding assignments.
• Performs other duties as required.

Job Competencies: 

Ethics and Values: Communicates and demonstrates the ethics and values of the Trial Court.
Mission Driven: Employees are fully committed to fulfilling the Trial Court and associated Departmental missions.
Professional Development: Employees are committed to participating in ongoing Trial Court training and educational offerings to advance their professional development. Managers are equally committed to affording opportunities to those they supervise as scheduling permits.
Customer Service: Conducts oneself in a courteous and professional manner towards both Trial Court employees and the public.
Applied Knowledge: Skillfully applies knowledge and skills to successfully perform legal analysis, research, preparing legal memoranda and other documents.
Problem Solving: Accurately identifies and addresses legal issues within the department and initiates corrective action.
Commitment to Diversity: Promotes an environment of diversity through understanding, respect, and positive communication with persons of varied racial, ethnic, economic, and cultural backgrounds.
Collaboration: Works with others cooperatively, demonstrating a willingness to be a team player, and contributing to a work environment that focuses on shared departmental goals.

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

Education and Experience:

• Juris Doctor degree from an accredited law school, as of the start of the clerkship.
• Excellent legal writing, research and analytical skills, using both online and book resources.
• 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.       
• 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.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

Knowledge of:

• Modern office equipment and technology including computers, applicable software, and legal research services.
• Departmental and court policies and procedures.
• Court proceedings.
• Applicable statutes, case law, court rules, and standing orders.
• Proper grammar, spelling, and punctuation.

Skill in:

• Organization and time management.
• Legal writing.
• Leadership.
• Attention to detail.
• Critical thinking.

Ability to:

• Establish effective working relationships with others.
• Prepare clear and accurate reports.
• Maintain appropriate records.
• Maintain confidentiality of information.
• Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
• Work independently and follow oral and written instructions.
• Conduct legal research and analysis.

Supervisory Responsibility: 

This position serves as a lead worker to others.

Working Conditions: 

Work is frequently performed in office or similar indoor environments.

Physical Demands: 

This position requires sedentary work:

Exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally, a negligible amount of force frequently, and/or constantly having to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects, including the human body.  Sedentary work involves sitting most of the time. Jobs are sedentary if walking and standing are required only occasionally and all other sedentary criteria are met.