Job Description

Unpaid Summer Law Clerk Position

Employer: Colorado Judicial Department

Location: 4th Judicial District, Colorado Springs, CO

Duration: May 20, 2026 – July 17, 2026

Our Mission

At the Colorado Judicial Department, our mission is to provide a fair and impartial system of justice that:

• Protects constitutional and statutory rights and liberties
• Assures equal access
• Provides fair, timely and constructive resolution of cases
• Enhances public safety
• Supervises offenders
• Facilitates victim and community reparation

Program Overview & Statement of Duties

This immersive summer program is designed to provide law students with a hands-on experience working directly with a trial judge within the 4th Judicial District. Participants will engage in a balanced schedule, dedicating approximately half of the week to direct legal work and the other half to valuable courtroom observation.

Key Responsibilities & Activities:

• Conduct extensive legal research and writing for an assigned judicial officer, gaining practical experience in judicial chambers.
• Observe trials and various contested hearings in courtrooms throughout the building, providing a comprehensive view of the judicial process.
• Participate in weekly group meetings and discussions with a district court judge, covering critical legal topics such as Criminal Law and Procedure, Civil Law and Procedure, Domestic Law, Ethics, Jury Selection, and Alternate Dispute Resolution, to deepen understanding of observed proceedings.
• Attend weekly field trips or brown bag sessions specifically designed to expose students to the broader judicial system and foster career networking opportunities. Past visits have included the Colorado Court of Appeals, Supreme Court, offices of the District Attorney, Public Defender, Department of Corrections, and more.

Program Details:

• The program typically hosts an average of 6 – 8 law clerks each summer, though numbers may vary.
• Students are responsible for arranging their own housing for the duration of the summer program in Colorado Springs, CO.

Minimum Qualifications

Applications are open to any law student who will have successfully completed the first year of law school by spring of 2026.

Application Information

Interested and qualified law students are invited to apply for this valuable summer clerkship opportunity.

To Apply:

• Submit a letter of interest and a comprehensive resume via email.
• Applications are accepted on a rolling basis until the program reaches its full capacity. Early application is strongly encouraged.
• Admission into the program is contingent upon the student successfully passing a background check.
• Email Applications To: 04SummerLawClerk@judicial.state.co.us