2026-2027 Judicial Law Clerkship for Judge Peter Eckerstrom

Job Description

Job DescriptionSalary: $60,170.00

Accepting clerkship applications and materials from recent and/or anticipated law school graduates for a minimum of one year term position to begin in August 2026.

Position Overview:

Under the direction of the Chambers Judge, a Law Clerks primary responsibility is to review briefs and the court record and to prepare a pre-draft decision in assigned cases. This position presents a rare opportunity to work directly with experienced judges and staff lawyers on complex and fascinating legal issues, improve writing and analytical skills, and make a lasting contribution to the law in Arizona.

Cases that are assigned to a particular panel of judges are divided among the three judges on the panel, and draft decisions are prepared by law clerks or staff attorneys working with an individual judge. Law clerks may be asked to write an initial draft decision, with varying degrees of input from the assigned judge.

Essential Functions:

• Review the appellate record, analyze appellate briefs, and conduct legal research
• Draft written decisions and submit to judge
• Cite-check drafts prepared by co-clerk or staff attorneys as directed
• Confer with judge regarding drafts and other matters, participating in conferences with supervising judge and other judges or staff as directed
• Access and utilize the Courts case management system
• Attend and participate in continuing legal education programs as directed
• Access and utilize Office 365 (Microsoft Word specifically).

• Law clerks may be given other projects by their judge(s). Such projects may include case law or statutory research, and assistance in handling requests for special action relief.
• Law Clerks are bound by the ethical standards established by the Code of Conduct for Judicial Employees and Code of Judicial Ethics.

Minimum Education and Experience Requirements:

• Bachelors degree (B.A./B.S.)
• Law degree from an accredited college/university and law school.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Knowledge and understanding of law, court procedures, and court systems.
• Knowledge of legal research tools (Westlaw, Lexis Nexis, etc.).

• Ability to work with professionalism in a busy environment.
• High ethical standards: Ability to maintain confidentiality regarding pending court cases and business processes.
• Ability to organize and manage multiple projects simultaneously and changes in responsibilities, duties, and procedures through cross training.
• Superior verbal and written communication skills.
• Superior research and analytical skills.
• Show initiative and sound judgement in decision making.
• Close attention to detail and commitment to accuracy.
• Excellent interpersonal skills in a variety of situations.
• Skilled in citation formatting.

Preferred Education and Experience:
Prior legal experience, including work as a lawyer, extern, or intern, is a plus. Other professional experience, particularly involving research and writing, is preferred.

Reasoning Ability:
Ability to apply common sense and understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written, oral, and diagram form. Ability to deal with problems involving several variables in standardized situations. Ability to apply knowledge and experience to each case using parallels from other cases and deductive reasoning.

Physical Requirements and Equipment Operations:

• Prolonged periods of sitting or standing at a desk working on a computer.

• Retrieve boxes and case files from low and high storage areas.
• Lift and move up to 30 pounds.

Supervisory Responsibility:

• This position has no direct supervisory responsibility.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work only. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all required responsibilities, duties, and skills. Other similar duties may be added, or the description amended at any time.

Apply
Please include the following materials:

• Cover Letter
• Resume
• Law School Transcript
• Writing Sample (no more than five pages; excerpts permitted)
• Two or Three Letters of Recommendation
  

Selection Process
Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis. Only applicants whose backgrounds most closely meet the needs of the position may be invited to interview. Requests for special accommodation to participate in the interview process should be made at the time you are contacted to schedule an interview. The Selection Process may include first and/or second round panel interviews. This is a Regular, Full-time position. Job offer is contingent on a successful background check.

EEO and ADA Compliance
The Court of Appeals, Division Two is an Equal Employment Opportunity and Reasonable Accommodation Employer. Everyone is encouraged to apply and compete for jobs. If you require assistance at any stage of the application/exam process or during employment, due to an accessibility issue, please contact the Human Resources Department by email at hr@appeals2.az.gov.

If you have any questions, please contact Marti Ackermann at (520) 770-3585 or ackermann@appeals2.az.gov