Law Clerk - Circuit Courts

Department:                                 Fifth Division Circuit Court

Position Control Number:           0405-006

FLSA Status:                                 Personal Staff not subject to FLSA

Safety Sensitive Designation:    This position is not designated as safety-sensitive.

Random Drug/Alcohol Test:       No

Opening Date:                             April 6, 2026                            

Closing Date:                               April 12, 2026 at 11:59 PM

This job description should not be interpreted as all-inclusive.  It is intended to identify the essential functions and minimum qualifications of this job.  The incumbent(s) may be required to perform job-related responsibilities and tasks other than those stated in this job description.  Nothing in this job description restricts management’s right to assign or reassign job-related responsibilities and tasks to this job at any time.  Certain functions are understood to be essential; these include, but are not limited to, attendance, getting along with others, working a full shift, and dealing with and working under stress.  Any essential function of this class will be evaluated as necessary should an incumbent/applicant be unable to perform the function or requirement due to a disability as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).  Reasonable accommodation for the specific disability will be made for the incumbent/applicant only to the extent medically

and reasonably feasible.

An Equal Opportunity Employer

Attention: certain duties are particular to case type and court and may not be performed by all employees. 

JOB SUMMARY:  Researches legal issues arising in any of the types of cases heard in the domestic relations, probate, civil, criminal, and juvenile divisions of Circuit Court; prepares memos outlining the legal research and/or prepares opinions or orders as requested by the Judge; drafts proposed orders for the court’s review and approval; ensures attorney submitted orders are accurate and filed in a timely manner.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

     * Reviews case files prior to hearings to ensure procedural and substantive legal requirements are met and provides any additional case-related information the Judge requests.

     * Researches and becomes knowledgeable on a wide range of legal issues and subjects heard in Circuit Court, including:

          + Domestic relations law (divorce, child custody, child support, paternity, domestic violence, etc.)

          + Probate law (decedent’s estates, guardianships, adoptions, conservatorships, etc.)

          + Civil law (constitutional law, personal injury, medical malpractice, breach of contract, appeals from administrative agencies, appeals from District Court, etc.)

          + Criminal law

          + Juvenile law

     * Monitors changes in the law and in the rules of the Arkansas Supreme Court.

     * Prepares a summary of each case prior to hearings to assist the Judge, including a summary of the facts and citations for any relevant case law.

     * Researches legal issues and prepares memoranda and/or opinions for review by the Judge on issues related to any subjects addressed.

     * Drafts court orders consistent with the Judge’s rulings and decisions; e-file orders as needed.

     * Maintains checklists and calendars to ensure orders are timely submitted by attorneys, and ensure the orders are accurate and filed in a timely manner.

     * Reviews all incoming pleadings requiring the Judge’s attention; coordinates requests for hearings with counsel and Trial Court Administrator.

     * Analyzes motions that do not require hearings for procedural and substantive legal accuracy, as well as for the completeness of all information the Judge requires for adjudication; communicate with attorneys and self-represented litigants to obtain any missing, necessary documents before presenting the matter to the Judge for adjudication.

     * Attends hearings and trials, noting legal issues requiring resolution.

     * Maintains legal library and online research materials.

     * Maintains knowledge of the Arkansas Rules of Civil Procedure, Rules of Criminal Procedure, Rules of Evidence, and all other court rules that affect cases brought before the Court.

     * Reviews and adheres to the Arkansas Code of Judicial Conduct and rules that affect the conduct of attorneys.

     * Communicates with the Pulaski County Circuit Clerk’s Office and the Perry County Circuit Clerk to obtain relevant information concerning case filings, orders, appeals, and other matters.

     * Communicates with the Arkansas Supreme Court Clerk’s Office regarding case filings, orders, appeals, and other matters.

     * Communicates with Arkansas courts, out-of-state courts, and federal courts regarding inter-jurisdictional transfers, venue issues, jurisdiction issues, and other matters.

     * Communicates with attorneys and self-represented litigants regarding case filings, submitted orders, hearings, appeals, and other matters.

     * Assists the Judge as needed concerning new issues raised during hearings and trials by conducting research in an expedient manner.

     * Conducts special projects as requested, e.g. organizing a trial binder for jury trials.

SECONDARY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

     * Performs other related duties as assigned.

PERSONNEL SUPERVISED:  None

WORKING CONDITIONS:  Work is performed in a smoking-restricted office environment. May occasionally attend court in Perry County.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

REQUIRED SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE, AND ABILITIES:

     *

          + Considerable knowledge of court proceedings and processes.

          + Considerable knowledge of federal, state, and local laws, regulations, and precedents. 

          + Ability to review, handle, and maintain confidential case information in a reliable and secure manner.

          + Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with the general public, attorneys, and staff members.

          + Ability to establish and maintain a detailed case management system.

          + Ability to conduct legal research utilizing previous case decisions and law interpretations.

          + Ability to prepare legal memoranda, opinions, and orders.

          + Ability to communicate effectively in writing.

          + Ability to work within strict time deadlines.

          + Ability to attend work regularly and reliably. 

          + Skill in analyzing and interpreting laws, rules, and regulations and applying them to specific situations.

          + Skill in the operation of a computer and related software including Microsoft Office and court management software.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

     *

          + Visual acuity is required for use of a computer monitor.

          + Digital dexterity is necessary for keyboard operation.

          + Ability to orally communicate effectively, in person, and by telephone.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

Completion of Juris Doctorate Degree from an accredited law school; some experience with courtroom procedures or a related area; or any equivalent combination of experience and training which provides the required skills, knowledge, and abilities.