Judicial Fellow

Description of Work

Fellows serve for a term of two years.
Recruiting for multiple positions.THESE POSITIONS ARE FOR A START DATE OF AUGUST 2025.The North Carolina Judicial Fellowship provides independent, confidential, and timely legal support for the judges of the District and Superior Court benches of North Carolina with regard to the matters over which those judges preside. The Fellowship assists judges with a wide variety of research and writing projects in all subject matter areas. Fellows conduct both case-specific and generalized issue research, assist in drafting orders, and attend trials and hearings to provide real-time, in-person support. The Fellowship employs a central intake and assignment process, and Fellows work independently and collaboratively to provide quick, accurate, and comprehensive responses. The Fellowship is comprised of attorneys who demonstrate academic excellence and who represent a broad diversity of experience and subject matter familiarity. Fellows serve staggered two-year terms in order to provide for cross-training, continuity of workflow, and predictability of staffing needs. The Fellowship is based at the North Carolina Judicial Center, but Fellows routinely travel to aid judges in courthouses throughout the state.

Duties include, but are not limited to, the following:
Assist judges in evaluating cases filed with the court.
Conduct legal research on a variety of issues.
Analyze legal rules and issues.
Process, research, and advise judges on emergent motion applications.
Prepare legal memoranda.
Draft and/or proofread (procedurally and substantively) various orders and judgments in cases involving complex or significant issues.
Work with judges on complex cases involving difficult and/or novel issues of law.
Track current developments in the law.
Assist judges with scheduling and other case management functions in complex civil or constitutional cases upon request.
Attend status conferences, hearings, and trials throughout the state, both virtually and in-person.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities / Competencies

Knowledge of:
court rules and procedures; case, statutory, regulatory, and common law; general statutes and their application to the operation of the Judicial Branch; judicial procedures; ethical rules and the practical aspects of trial practice; and electronic legal research methods and procedures

Ability to:

analyze facts, laws, rules, regulations, interpretations, and written documents and apply them to specific legal issues; produce legal interpretations in a timely and responsive manner for court officials; conduct legal research through the use of the general statutes, case law, and other legal research tools; and interact daily in a professional and tactful manner with court officials, attorneys, and members of the general public.

Must possess a valid NC driver's license or ability to obtain one soon after starting employment.
Minimum Education and Experience Requirements

Juris Doctor degree from an ABA-accredited law school.
An active law license is preferred, but not required.
Attach cover letter, résumé, and two writing samples.

Please note:
The fellowship program will begin in August 2025.
Supplemental and Contact Information

Our facility is close to I-40 and convenient to all the Research Triangle area has to offer.
Campus Amenities 17.5 Acre Campus 180,000 SF Building Ample Free Parking Full Service Cafeteria Patio Dining Health & Wellness Benefits Modern Fitness Center Yoga & Pilates Classes Walking Trail CPR Training Annual Flu Shot Clinic for Employees and Families Wellness Fair Agency Softball Team Lunch & Learn ProgramsEmployment Benefits Generous Insurance Options Retirement Package (purchase option for other government plans)

Flexible Benefits Package 401(k) Vacation & Sick Leave Longevity Program Service AwardsCome join a great team Learn more about the NC Administrative Office of the Courts here:
must complete an on-line application by clicking the above APPLY link. Mailed or faxed applications will not be accepted.

Before applying, please read the Online Employment Application Guide for instructions on creating your profile and applying for specific postings.

It is important your application includes all of your relevant education and work experience and that you answer all questions associated with the application to receive proper credit.

Résumés are not accepted in lieu of fully completed applications.*NOTE

• Many job postings require certain documents be attached to an application. Verify your application is complete and uploaded documents are attached to your application before submitting it. Applications may not be altered after they have been submitted.

Carefully review the FAQs if you experience difficulty with the application process or attaching documents.

For technical issues with applications or attachments, call the NeoGov Help Line at All NC Judicial Branch agencies are Equal Opportunity Employers.

The North Carolina Judicial Branch participates in E-Verify, an internet-based system that compares information from an employee's Form I-9, Employment Eligibility Verification, to data from the US Department of Homeland Security and Social Security Administration records to confirm employment eligibility.

To learn more, click on these links:
E-Verify (Download PDF reader)Participation (Download PDF reader)E-Verify (Download PDF reader) Participation (Spanish) (Download PDF reader)Right to (Download PDF reader)Work (Download PDF reader)Right (Download PDF reader) to Work (Spanish) (Download PDF reader)Travis DavisNC Administrative Office of the CourtsHuman Resources

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