Clerkship Opportunity: Two-Year Clerkship with the Court’s Central Legal Research Staff

A clerkship with the Court’s Central Legal Research Staff is an exciting two-year opportunity to work at the highest Court of the State. Central Staff Clerks write reports on civil motions for leave to appeal (i.e., applications for certiorari), assisting the Court in identifying novel questions of civil law, with statewide import, or conflicts in existing precedent. Central Staff Clerks also work on select civil appeals. Central Staff Clerks work in person at the historic Court of Appeals Hall in Albany, where they receive mentoring from senior attorneys, and enjoy a collaborative and collegial working environment, comprehensive benefits, and a competitive starting salary. The Central Staff clerkship uniquely prepares new or recent law graduates for careers in the legal profession. For decades, Central Staff Clerks have gone on to become prominent attorneys and leaders in their respective fields.

Applicants should have excellent research and writing skills, and strong academic credentials. Applications must include the following materials:

Cover Letter
Current Résumé
Unofficial Law School Transcript
Self-edited Writing Sample
Completed UCS-5 form (PDF, opens in new tab)Oral Argument Page – Done

*Please submit application materials in the order specified above, as a single PDF document.

Two Letters of Recommendation (need not be included in initial application packet, but must be provided by time of interview)

Complete applications should be emailed to the attention of Chief Court Attorney Stephen Sherwin at Complete applications should be emailed to the attention of Chief Court Attorney Stephen Sherwin at [email protected]. Applications for clerkships commencing August 2027 will be accepted through September 15, 2026. Candidates selected for interviews will be invited to the Court in the early fall.

FAQs

What is the starting salary and does it increase for the second year?

The current starting salary for incoming Central Staff Clerks in 2024 is anticipated to be no less than $99,490. Central Staff Clerks are eligible for a promotion in the second year and attendant salary increase.
What does a Central Staff Clerk do and what skills will I develop?

Central Staff Clerks primarily prepare written reports on civil motions for leave to appeal for the consideration of the seven-member Court, analyzing whether the issue presented is leaveworthy and making a recommendation as to disposition of the motion. A leaveworthy issue is one that presents a novel question of law, has statewide significance, or implicates a conflict with prior decisions of this Court or with decisions of the Appellate Division Departments. Central Staff Clerks develop a robust understanding of the Court's unique and complex jurisdiction and gain exposure to various substantive areas of law. Central Staff Clerks also hone the core lawyering skills of research, writing, and editing, in addition to becoming well versed in appellate practice.
What is a civil motion for leave to appeal?

A civil motion for leave to appeal presents the opportunity for a party to convince the Court that their case merits the Court's review. Motions for leave to appeal are randomly assigned to one of the seven Judges who, in conjunction with Central Staff, reports to the full Court. Motions for leave are conferenced and voted on by all the Judges of the Court. At least two votes to grant the motion are required to bring on an appeal.
How much interaction do Central Staff Clerks have with the Judges of the Court and their staffs?

Because motion reports are approved by an individual reporting Judge, Central Staff Clerks interact with all the judges and their staffs on a regular and rotating basis. Additionally, through attendance at various Court gatherings and programs, Central Staff Clerks have the opportunity to form lasting relationships with the Judges and members of their staffs.
From which law schools have Central Staff Clerks graduated?

The Court has hired Central Staff Clerks from all New York law schools, including Albany Law School, Brooklyn Law School, Cardozo School of Law, City University of New York School of Law, Columbia Law School, Cornell Law School, Fordham University School of Law, Hofstra Law School, New York Law School, New York University Law School, Pace University Law School, Syracuse University College of Law, St. John's University School of Law, Touro Law School, and University at Buffalo School of Law. It has also welcomed Clerks from, among many other out-of-state schools, American University Washington College of Law, Harvard Law School, Northeastern University School of Law, UC College of the Law, San Francisco, University of Notre Dame Law School, and Vermont Law School.
Can you tell me a little more about Albany, New York?

Albany, the capital of New York, is a historic city located on the banks of the Hudson River that has grown over centuries from a Dutch settlement into the center of state government. Albany, Schenectady, Troy and their surrounding areas make up the area commonly referred to as the Capital Region—the third most populous metropolitan area in the State, with a population of around 1.1 million. The nearby City of Troy boasts a vibrant and thriving cultural scene, with historic landmarks, one-of-a-kind eateries, and quaint local shops. The City of Schenectady, also steeped in history, provides a flourishing downtown destination for arts and entertainment. For further information about Albany and its history, you may wish to visit the City's website at: https://www.albanyny.gov/ (opens in new tab).

The New York State Unified Court System is an equal opportunity employer, and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, gender (including pregnancy and gender identity or expression), national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, age, membership in an employee organization, parental status, military service, or other non-merit factor.