Law Clerk

Under the supervision of the Chief Judge, the incumbent assists the judges of the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Court System by conducting legal research and preparing draft memoranda of decision for a period of employment lasting one year. The position requires attendance at trials, hearings and pre-trial conferences, as well as the ability to comprehensively review legal pleadings, motions, briefs, exhibits and transcripts. Graduate from an accredited law school and excellent legal writing skills are required. Demonstrated previous experience in Native American law and/or Tribal justice systems desirable. Familiarity with Westlaw on-line computer legal research services, internet research and other legal resources desirable. Incumbent will be required to execute a sworn Statement of Confidentiality. Incumbent must not have been convicted in any court of either a felony offense or any other offense requiring proof of dishonesty or the illegal use or abuse of any substance. Must have a valid motor vehicle driver's license.
In addition to completing the online application, applicants must submit a cover letter addressed to "Chief Judge," a resume, law school transcripts (official or unofficial), a brief legal writing sample, and a list of 2-3 references. Letters of recommendation are a plus but not required. Transcripts and letters of reference may be included in the application packet or sent under separate cover letter. Mail your materials to Chief Judge, Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Court, P.O. Box 3126, Mashantucket, CT 06338-3126.

ONE-YEAR POSITION (AUGUST 2025 THROUGH END JULY 2026)

IMPORTANT NOTICE: THIS IS NOT A REMOTE POSITION - ALL JOB FUNCTIONS ARE TO BE PERFORMED IN THE COURTHOUSE

DESCRIPTION OF POSITION:

Under the supervision of the Chief Judge, the Law Clerk is required to:

• Conduct legal research on relevant statutes and cases; analyze legal issues presented by administrative records; communicate findings of research to tribal court judges either orally or by succinct memoranda.
• Review legal pleadings, motions, briefs, transcripts, and recordings.
• Draft memoranda of decision and orders for pending Tribal Court cases.
• Attend hearings as requested by the tribal judges.
• Prepare special projects such as editing decisions for publication and developing proposed amendments to Mashantucket Rules of Civil Procedure.

The annual salary is $60,000 plus benefits including health insurance and 401k match. Applicants will be considered on criteria such as academic standing, law review or journal experience, moot court, other significant research or writing experience in the field of Native American law, prior employment, and faculty, employer or personal recommendations.

TO APPLY:

APPLICATION DEADLINE: Applications must be received by March 31, 2025 at 4:00 PM EST. Applicants selected for an interview will be contacted by April 15, 2025.

Address application packet to:

Chief Judge

Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Court

P.O. Box 3126, 101 Pequot Trail

Mashantucket, CT 06338-3126

The Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Court practices Native American Preference in hiring

as authorized by Public Law 93-638

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities

The contractor will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor’s legal duty to furnish information. 41 CFR 60-1.35(c)