New Jersey Judicial Clerkships: 2027-28 Terms, Pay and How to Apply
Short answer: New Jersey runs the largest state clerkship program, about 480 one-year clerks a year (NJ Courts). For 2027-28, the portal opened May 26, 2026, and judges could contact applicants from June 8, 2026. There is no residency requirement (NJ Courts).
Fast facts
- Terms: Supreme Court and Appellate Division Aug. 23, 2027 to Aug. 25, 2028; trial courts and Tax Court Aug. 16, 2027 to Aug. 25, 2028 (NJ Courts).
- Positions: Supreme Court 21, Appellate Division 64, Assignment Judges 30, Family 120, Criminal 120, Civil 110, General Equity 20, Tax 12 (NJ Courts).
- Chambers: each justice has three clerks; 32 Appellate Division judges have two each (NJ Courts).
- Pay (2025-26): Supreme Court $79,456; Appellate Division $72,540; Assignment Judge and General Equity $66,508; Law Division and Tax Court $61,256 (NJ Courts benefits).
- Loan forgiveness: the court notes student-loan forgiveness after 10 years of public service (NJ Courts benefits).
One NJ Courts page says applicants must have graduated within four years and not practiced law (NJ Courts). The 2027-28 program page encourages lawyers with four years' experience or less (NJ Courts). Follow the program page for the current cycle and ask if you are unsure.
How the process works
- Apply through the Judiciary's online portal once it opens (May 26, 2026 for 2027-28) (NJ Courts).
- Judges may contact applicants from the published start date (June 8, 2026 for 2027-28) (NJ Courts).
- Answer interview calls promptly; trial judges fill many seats quickly.
- Use the interview guide to prepare.
The 21 Supreme Court clerkships pay the most and are the most competitive. The 64 Appellate Division seats are the next tier. The 400-plus trial clerkships are spread across Family, Criminal, Civil, General Equity and Tax (NJ Courts). See NJ Supreme Court for Supreme Court applicant timelines.
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FAQ
Q: How many New Jersey clerkships are there?
About 480 a year (NJ Courts).
Q: Do I need to live in New Jersey?
No (NJ Courts).
Q: What does a New Jersey Supreme Court clerk earn?
$79,456 in 2025-26 (NJ Courts benefits).
Related guides
- New York clerkships
- Delaware clerkships
- Clerkship interviews
- 50-state clerkship directory
- Clerkship Directory home
