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Job Description
The Honorable Deborah Westbrook of the Nevada Court of Appeals is currently accepting applications for a judicial law clerk starting in Summer/Fall 2026. Judge Westbrook's chambers are located in Las Vegas. The clerkship is available for one year.
As a law clerk, you'll work directly with Judge Westbrook assisting in processing appeals and writ petitions. Your tasks will include legal research, drafting bench memos, preparing orders and opinions, and reviewing and editing documents.
Please note that the Court of Appeals is a fast-paced working environment. Law clerks are expected to complete all assignments in a timely manner, which may require evening, weekend, and holiday work, as well as periodic out-of-town travel.
This is an excellent opportunity to gain valuable experience and judicial mentorship at the appellate level of Nevada's judiciary. Law clerks will hone their writing skills and learn best practices for oral and written advocacy, including how to make a record and preserve arguments for appeal.
Examples of Essential Duties:- Review cases assigned to your Judge’s chambers (1-2 per month)
- Conduct all necessary legal research in a thorough and meticulous manner
- Prepare concise, well-organized bench memos and orders within 30 days of assignment
- Handle original writ petitions and petitions for rehearing
- Edit own work product
- Review decisions from other courts that may be applicable to pending Nevada cases
- Carefully proofread orders and opinions
- Attend oral arguments
Qualifications:
Must have graduated with a Juris Doctor from an ABA accredited law school by the start of the clerkship, preferably in the top 20% of the class.
Law review or other journal experience is desirable as are moot court and judicial externships or prior judicial clerkships.
Law clerks must possess exceptional legal research and writing abilities, must be flexible, and must be motivated to work independently to produce high quality work in a fast-paced appellate environment.
Applicants are required to submit a Resume, Cover Letter, List of References, Writing Sample and Transcripts.
Additional:
Nevada enjoys abundant sunshine throughout the year, making it an attractive destination for outdoor enthusiasts. From the stunning red rock formations of Valley of Fire State Park to the majestic mountains of the Sierra Nevada range, the state offers a diverse and breathtaking natural environment. Nevada offers recreational opportunities including golfing, biking, off-roading, hiking, skiing, and fishing. In addition, Nevada is home to iconic attractions such as the Las Vegas Strip, known for its vibrant nightlife, casinos, and entertainment. The state also hosts numerous cultural events, festivals, and art galleries that showcase its rich heritage and artistic scene. Nevada's beautiful landscape, exciting adventures, and thriving economy are just a few of the reasons to join the Silver State workforce!
Benefits include:- Health Insurance: medical, dental, life and disability insurance programs for employees and dependents/family are offered.
- Holidays: 12 paid holidays per year.
- Retirement: Participation in the Nevada Public Employee Retirement System (PERS).
- Deferred Compensation: The State has a voluntary deferred compensation program.
- No Nevada state income tax.
- Positions are eligible for the Public service loan forgiveness program.
- Activities: we encourage you to enjoy the fun activities offered in Nevada as well as participate in many available bar activities while building the foundation for your future legal career!
Please note the posted salary is based on the Employee/Employer paid contribution plan to the Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS). The posted salary is subject to a mandatory 19.25% reduction as this amount is paid into PERS. This is refundable upon the end of employment.
Closing Date/Time: Until recruitment needs are satisfied -
ABOUT THE COMPANY
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State of Nevada
Show moreThe presence of Nevada's earliest inhabitants, beginning about 12,400 years ago, is marked by many petroglyphs and archaeological sites. Baskets, decoys, and ingenious traps are evidence of the resourcefulness of these early people in a harsh and arid environment.
European explorers traveled through Nevada in the early 19th century, but it was not until 1851 that the first settlements were established. An Act of Congress created the Territory of Nevada on March 2, 1861. James W. Nye of New York was appointed Nevada's first Territorial Governor by President Abraham Lincoln later that year. On October 31, 1864, President Lincoln proclaimed Nevada's admission to the Union as the 36th state. The State's first elected Governor, Henry Blasdel, took office on December 5, 1864.
Today, Nevada is the nation's seventh largest state in land area. Several hundred mountain ranges cross its landscape, many with elevations over 10,000 feet. In contrast, the State's lowest point (along the Colorado River) is only 470 feet above sea level. From majestic mountains to desert valleys, nature has endowed Nevada with diverse and unique ecosystems.
The Nevada Legislature has honored the State's natural resources and cultural heritage with a variety of State designations described below.
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