Law Clerk - COA DII

The Court of Appeals, District II, is currently considering applications for a Law Clerk to Judge Maria S. Lazar.    This position requires exceptional research, writing, and analytical skills.  Attorneys with law review and/or moot court experience are encouraged to apply.   Attorneys with experience in private practice, public service, or public interest law firms are also encouraged to apply.  Experience is preferred, but not required. 

A judicial law clerk is a personal appointee as defined under Section 2.2 of the Court System Employee Manual.  Employment is coterminous with the appointment of the judge.

LOCATION:   Waukesha, Wisconsin.  This position is generally expected to work in‐office for the duration of the work schedule, with some potential flexibility at the discretion of the judge.

SALARY:  Starting salary in the range of $73,939 to $86,259 annually depending on experience, with a State of Wisconsin benefits package.

POSITION SUMMARY:

Judicial law clerks assist with legal research; opinion writing, editing, and review; supervision of interns; and other duties as directed by Judge Lazar.  Candidates for the position must have a J.D. from an accredited law school, and should have strong critical thinking and writing skills and good attention to detail.

 RESPONSIBILITIES: 

1) Preparing and reviewing documents, including opinions, orders and correspondence; proofreading and record/cite checking opinions, orders and correspondence.  2) Handling and processing opinions, orders, correspondence, reports, briefs and records.  3) Meeting deadlines with strict time pressures.  4) Handling confidential documents and information. 

 QUALIFICATIONS:

1) J.D. from an accredited law school.  2) Experience working with attorneys in the government or public sector preferred, preferably with the State of Wisconsin.   3) Experience with the Wisconsin court system, preferably at the appellate level.  4) Knowledge of complaints, judgments of conviction, motions, orders and other legal documents.  5) Knowledge of citations and statutory references contained in legal documents.  6) Skills in verbal and written communication.  7) Excellent grammatical, proofreading and organizational skills are required. 

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS: 

1) Employment will require a criminal background check.  2) The Wisconsin Court System does not sponsor work visas. In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States, and to complete the required employment eligibility form upon hire.

TO APPLY: 

Please submit a cover letter, resume, writing sample, and a minimum of two professional references in one PDF document with the title #25-2526 Law Clerk-Court of Appeals District II to Maria.Lazar@wicourts.gov.  The writing sample should be no longer than 20 pages and should contain substantive legal analysis.  

DEADLINE: 

Applications will be accepted through September 2, 2025 or until the position has been filled.  The Wisconsin Court System will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified applicants when requested.  For additional information on the Wisconsin court system visit our website at www.wicourts.gov.