Washington State Supreme Court Law Clerk

Appointed Supreme Court Justice Colleen Melody is seeking a highly motivated and qualified individual(s) for the position of Law Clerk. This position provides substantive legal assistance to the Supreme Court Justice.

Reporting to Justice Melody, this position works under general supervision in the performance of a wide range of substantive legal work. This position requires strong research, writing, and organizational skills, as well as excellent judgment. This position offers exposure to the broad range of legal issues that come before Washington’s highest appellate court and presents an outstanding professional development opportunity. Law Clerks interact regularly with the judiciary, the legal community, co-workers, and the public.

Washington State SUPREME COURT Employment Opportunity Supreme Court Law Clerk

POSITION DETAILS

Job #: 2025-100

Status: Regular, Full-Time

Location: Olympia, Washington

Salary: Range 68: $93,804 - $111,504 per year (DOQ)

Opens: December 16, 2025

Closes: Open Until Filled. This recruitment will close when enough qualified applications are received. If you are interested in this opportunity, your prompt application submission is encouraged.

Position is eligible for part-time telework, with telework schedule to be approved by the Justice.

Duties

Some of the duties you will perform are:

• Reviews orders and opinions on review and the complete appellate record.
• Reviews briefs of the parties and amici; analyzes cited authorities; conducts independent legal research and analysis; consults with the Justice, staff attorneys, and other court staff.
• Prepares prehearing memoranda, summarizing the facts of the case and applicable legal authorities and recommending disposition of the case.
• Assists in preparation for oral argument; attends oral argument of cases before the court.
• Prepares draft opinions supporting the decisions of the court as directed by the Justice; may prepare additional opinions as assigned by the Justice.
• Prepares memoranda on motions in pending cases, including motions for discretionary review, motions to modify, and motions for reconsideration.
• Performs other duties as required.

Salary

• $93,804 - $111,504/year

Qualifications

The minimum qualifications for the Supreme Court Law Clerk are as follows:

• Graduation from an accredited law school, plus strong legal research, writing, and analytical skills required.
• Demonstrated integrity, professionalism, and confidentiality in all interactions required.
• Moot court and/or law review preferred.

THE IDEAL APPLICANT WILL ALSO HAVE SOME OR ALL OF THE FOLLOWING EXPERIENCE, EDUCATION, KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

Knowledge, Skills and Ability:

• Performs thorough, accurate, and timely work, earning trust and respect across all levels, including Supreme Court Justices, legal professionals, and the public.
• Builds and maintains effective working relationships through clear communication, consultative problem-solving, productive collaboration, and consistent follow-through.
• Manages multiple priorities and projects efficiently in a fast-paced environment, demonstrating strong time management, attention to detail, and accountability for quality and timeliness in the face of competing deadlines.
• Applies advanced legal knowledge and analytical skills, including understanding of Washington State and federal law, court procedures, and the appellate process.
• Excels in legal research, writing, and analysis, with the ability to interpret complex legal issues, cite-check, and produce clear, concise legal documents.
• Communicates effectively both verbally and in writing, with proficiency in legal terminology, grammar, and formatting standards.
• Demonstrates a commitment to public service and access to justice.

Other Information

PLEASE READ THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION CAREFULLY TO ENSURE YOU HAVE SUBMITTED THE REQUIRED MATERIALS TO BE CONSIDERED.

IMPORTANT: To be considered for this position, you MUST include the following, failure to do so will result in your application being disqualified:

1. Completed online application – CLICK HERE TO APPLY
2. Current resume.
3. Letter of interest addressing your qualifications for the position. Please indicate why this position is a good fit for your skills and interests.
4. Three (3) to five (5) professional references to include a current or recent supervisor with email addresses and phone numbers.
5. Two (2) writing samples. Writing samples should be short (e.g. 5-15 pages) and must be your own work product.

To view the job description, please click here: https://secure.neogov.com/classspec/detail/9868bfcba8b7c8be853313959c93e6c2

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

• Workweek may fluctuate depending on workload or agency need.
• Overnight travel may be required based on business need.
• This position is not covered by the Fair Labor Standards Act

The AOC is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate based on gender, pregnancy, race, color, national origin, ancestry, religion, creed, physical, mental or sensory disability (actual or perceived), use of a service animal, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran or military status, age, HIV or Hepatitis C status, or any other basis protected by federal or state law. Persons of disability needing assistance in the application process, or those needing this announcement in an alternative format, please contact the AOC Human Resource Office, at (360) 705-5337, or fax (360) 586-4409, or via email to Recruitment@courts.wa.gov.

In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire.

Benefits

More than Just a Paycheck!
Employee benefits are not just about the kind of services you get, they are also about how much you may have to pay out of pocket. Washington State offers one of the most competitive benefits packages in the nation.

We understand that your life revolves around more than just your career. Like everyone, your first priority is ensuring that you and your family will maintain health and financial security. That's why choice is a key component of our benefits package. We have a selection of health and retirement plans, paid leave, staff training and other compensation benefits that you can mix and match to meet your current and future needs.

Read about our benefits:
The following information describes typical benefits available for full-time employees who are expected to work more than six months. Actual benefits may vary by appointment type or be prorated for other than full-time work (e.g. part-time); view the job posting for benefits details for job types other than full-time.

Note: If the position offers benefits which differ from the following, the job posting should include the specific benefits.

Insurance Benefits
Employees and their families are covered by medical (including vision), dental and basic life insurance. There are multiple medical plans with affordable monthly premiums that offer coverage throughout the state.

Staff are eligible to enroll each year in a medical flexible spending account which enables them to use tax-deferred dollars toward their health care expenses. Employees are also covered by basic life and long-term disability insurance, with the option to purchase additional coverage amounts.

To view premium rates, coverage choice in your area and how to enroll, please visit the Public Employees Benefits Board (PEBB) website. The Washington Wellness program from the Health Care Authority works with PEBB to support our workplace wellness programs.

Dependent care assistance allows the employee to save pre-tax dollars for a child or elder care expenses.

Other insurance coverage for auto, boat, home, and renter insurance is available through payroll deduction.

The Washington State Employee Assistance Program promotes the health and well-being of employees.

Retirement and Deferred Compensation
State Employees are members of the Washington Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS). New employees have the option of two employer contributed retirement programs. For additional information, check out the Department of Retirement Systems' web site.

Employees also have the ability to participate in the Deferred Compensation Program (DCP). This is a supplemental retirement savings program (similar to an IRA) that allows you control over the amount of pre-tax salary dollars you defer as well as the flexibility to choose between multiple investment options.

Social Security
All state employees are covered by the federal Social Security and Medicare systems. The state and the employee pay an equal amount into the system.

Public Service Loan Forgiveness
If you are employed by a government or not-for-profit organization, and meet the qualifying criteria, you may be eligible to receive student loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.

Holidays
Full-time and part-time employees are entitled to paid holidays and one paid personal holiday per calendar year.

Note: Employees who are members of certain Unions may be entitled to additional personal leave day(s), please refer to position specific Collective Bargaining Agreements for more information.

Full-time employees who work full monthly schedules qualify for holiday compensation if they are employed before the holiday and are in pay status for at least 80 nonovertime hours during the month of the holiday; or for the entire work shift preceding the holiday.

Part-time employees who are in pay status during the month of the holiday qualify for the holiday on a pro-rata basis. Compensation for holidays (including personal holiday) will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status in the month to that required for full-time employment, excluding all holiday hours. Pay status includes hours worked and time on paid leave.

Sick Leave
Full-time employees earn eight hours of sick leave per month. Overtime eligible employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month, earn a monthly proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Overtime exempt employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month do not earn a monthly accrual of sick leave.

Sick leave accruals for part-time employees will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.

Vacation (Annual Leave)
Full-time employees accrue vacation leave at the rates specified in WAC 357-31-165(1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA). Full-time employees who are in pay status for less than 80 nonovertime hours in a month do not earn a monthly accrual of vacation leave.

Part-time employees accrue vacation leave hours in accordance with WAC 357-31-165(1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA) on a pro rata basis. Vacation leave accrual will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment.

Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.

As provided in WAC 357-58-175, an employer may authorize a lump-sum accrual of vacation leave or accelerate the vacation leave accrual rate to support the recruitment and/or retention of a candidate or employee for a Washington Management Service position. Vacation leave accrual rates may only be accelerated using the rates established WAC 357-31-165.

Note: Most agencies follow the civil service rules covering leave and holidays for exempt employees even though there is no requirement for them to do so. However, agencies are required to adhere to the applicable RCWs pertaining holidays and leave.

Military Leave
Washington State supports members of the armed forces with 21 days paid military leave per year.

Bereavement Leave
Most employees whose family member or household member dies, or for loss of pregnancy, are entitled to five (5) days of paid bereavement leave. In addition, the employer may approve other available leave types for the purpose of bereavement leave.

Additional Leave
Leave Sharing
Parental Leave
Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)
Leave Without Pay

Please visit the State HR Website for more detailed information regarding benefits.

Updated 07-21-2025