Colorado Judicial Branch
Appellate Law Clerk
Job Title
Appellate Law Clerk
Job Code
R45030
Job Series
Law Clerk
FLSA Status
Excluded
OCC Group
Professional Services (PS)
Signature of the State Court Administrator approval available on file in the Human Resources Division.
General Statement Of Duties
Provides highly complex legal research, writing, editing and other assistance to a justice or judge of the Colorado Appellate Courts.
Distinguishing Factors
Positions in this classification are distinguished from other Law Clerks by the supervision of a single justice or judge of the appellate court. Appellate Law Clerks are distinguished from other positions of the Appellate Courts by performing general legal research for a single justice or judge of the Appellate Court. While exercising some independent judgment, most work product is subject to inspection and review. Appellate Law Clerk serves in a classified, non-certified position that is considered at-will and may be terminated at any time with or without cause.
Essential Functions Of the Position
Reviews appeals assigned to chambers; prepares predisposition memoranda; reviews parties' statements of relevant facts and applicability of cited legal authority; analyzes legal issues raised by the parties; reviews and digests referring court record on appeal, and researches and analyzes law relevant to issues on appeal.
Works with justice or judge to research, write, and edit opinions, including concurring or dissenting opinions.
Prepares opinions for issuance, including final editing, citation and record checking, and preparing opinion in final format for issuance.
May review briefs for compliance with appellate rules.
May assist judge or justice with the recruitment process for appellate law clerks.
Performs bailiff responsibilities; prepares courtroom for oral arguments; serve as bailiff/timekeeper during arguments; restores courtroom following arguments.
Performs administrative and organizational responsibilities, including pulling and distributing case materials.
Attends meetings and training as required.
Performs other duties as assigned.
Supervisor Responsibilities
Responsible for one's own work product and some positions may provide guidance, assistance, or mentorship to less knowledgeable or experienced coworkers, volunteers, or interns. This may include scheduling of work, instructing in work methods, and reviewing work products.
Minimum Education
Graduation from an accredited law school and must be able to serve one year as an Appellate Law Clerk.
Physical Demands
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit, reach with hands and arms, and talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to walk; use hands and arms to perform repetitive motions; and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 10 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, and ability to adjust focus.
Work Environment
Occasionally handles emergency or crisis situations; frequently subject to interruptions and multiple calls and inquiries. The noise level in the work environment is usually quiet.