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Judicial Staff Attorney Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Dane County

Judicial Staff Attorney

Madison, WI

$36.29 - $43.22/hr

Description The Dane County Circuit Court is recruiting for one (1) full-time (1.0 FTE) Judicial Staff Attorney position. This position will work in Branch 2, 3, 4, 17 and Prisoner Litigation. Staff ...

MyFlorida

TRIAL COURT STAFF ATTORNEY - 22011115

Tampa, FL · On-site

$66.83/hr

... Judicial Circuit, Tampa, FL Salary Range $60,330.48 (awaiting Florida Bar membership); $66.830.40 (Florida Bar Member); $78,181.20 (Practicing Law 5+ Years), plus benefits (Amounts include CAD) The ...

US Judicial Branch

Staff Attorney

Washington, DC · On-site +1

$68K/yr

C. Circuit, has openings for highly qualified attorneys to serve as staff attorneys to the full ... A judicial clerkship or internship, law review membership, or comparable legal research and writing ...

United States Courts

Staff Attorney

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$111K/yr

The Office of Staff Attorneys (OSA) seeks attorneys who are dedicated to supporting the federal Judiciary's mission of ensuring equal justice under the law. We are excited to welcome team members who ...

US Judicial Branch

Staff Attorney

Washington, DC · Hybrid

$102K/yr

The United States Sentencing Commission is seeking a Staff Attorney to participate in the ... Experience as a federal judicial law clerk. * Outstanding academic credentials and/or law review or ...

Maryland Legal Aid

Staff Attorney

Cumberland, MD · On-site

$79K - $122K/yr

Staff attorneys handle all functions related to casework, from initial intake through ... Knowledge of principles of civil law, judicial procedures, and rules of evidence. * Ability to use ...

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Judicial Staff Attorney information

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$50.5K

$91.4K

$151.5K

How much do judicial staff attorney jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 22, 2026, the average yearly pay for judicial staff attorney in the United States is $91,446.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $70,500.00 and $106,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a judicial staff attorney?

Judicial Staff Attorneys are legal professionals who assist judges by conducting legal research, drafting opinions, and providing recommendations on cases. They help analyze legal issues, review case files, and ensure that court decisions are well-founded and based on relevant law. These attorneys play a vital role in supporting the efficient functioning of the judicial system by ensuring judges have the necessary information to make informed rulings.

What are some typical challenges judicial staff attorneys face when supporting judges in legal research and case preparation?

Judicial Staff Attorneys often encounter challenges such as managing tight deadlines, handling a high volume of complex cases, and ensuring thorough legal research under time pressure. They must quickly synthesize large amounts of information and draft clear, concise memoranda or proposed orders for the judge. Balancing impartiality while providing objective legal analysis is essential, and strong organizational skills are needed to prioritize tasks efficiently in a fast-paced, collaborative court environment.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a judicial staff attorney, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Judicial Staff Attorney, you need a Juris Doctor (JD) degree, excellent legal research and writing skills, and strong knowledge of civil and criminal law. Familiarity with legal research databases like Westlaw or LexisNexis, as well as proficiency in case management systems, is crucial. Outstanding analytical thinking, attention to detail, and clear communication help you interpret complex legal issues and present findings effectively. These skills and qualities are vital for providing judges with accurate, thorough legal analysis and supporting the efficient administration of justice.

What is the difference between Judicial Staff Attorney vs Judicial Clerk?

AspectJudicial Staff AttorneyJudicial Clerk
Required CredentialsJuris Doctor (JD), bar admission often preferredUndergraduate degree, some positions may prefer law students or recent grads
Work EnvironmentLegal research, drafting opinions, assisting judges in case analysisAssisting judges with case management, research, and administrative tasks
Employer & Industry UsageCourts, government legal offices, judicial chambers

Judicial Staff Attorneys typically hold a JD and assist judges with legal research and opinion drafting, working closely within judicial chambers. Judicial Clerks often are law students or recent graduates who support judges with case research and administrative duties. While both roles support the judiciary, Judicial Staff Attorneys usually have more legal experience and responsibilities related to legal analysis.

Do you need to pass the bar to be a judicial staff attorney?

Generally, a judicial staff attorney does not need to pass the bar exam, as their role primarily involves legal research, drafting opinions, and assisting judges. However, requirements can vary by jurisdiction, and some positions may prefer or require bar admission or legal experience. It is important to review specific job postings for individual qualifications.

What do judicial staff attorneys at courts do?

Judicial staff attorneys assist judges by conducting legal research, drafting opinions, and preparing case summaries. They review legal documents, analyze case law, and help facilitate the judicial decision-making process, often working in a courtroom or legal office environment.
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What states have the most Judicial Staff Attorney jobs?

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Judicial Staff Attorney jobs near you
Infographic showing various Judicial Staff Attorney job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 76% Full Time, 16% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $91,446 per year, or $44 per hour.

Judicial Staff Attorney I/II Criminal Division - Fresno Superior Court (Fresno)

SAN JOAQUIN COLLEGE OF LAW

Fresno, CA • On-site

$79.91 - $133.72/hr

Other

Posted 4 days ago

Job description

The Judicial Staff Attorney classification assists judges and commissioners by performing in-depth research and analysis of matters pending before the Court. The Judicial Staff Attorney identifies, researches, summarizes, and analyzes legal issues and controlling facts raised in motions, petitions, and applications; summarizes the background of a case including its procedural history; conducts independent legal research as needed to clarify issues, resolve conflicting legal authorities, and reach sound decisions. The Judicial Staff Attorney must be able to draft comprehensive legal memoranda that detail relevant facts and legal issues, the strengths and weaknesses of the parties’ arguments, and make a sound recommendation to the judge.

Excellent work-life balance: Hours predictably average 40 - 45 per week with flexible work arrangements, including telework available.

Judicial Staff Attorney I is the entry level in the Judicial Staff Attorney classification series. Incumbents perform a limited scope of professional legal work with direct supervision and guidance, and as experience is gained, incumbents are given a broader scope of assignments with greater responsibility and less supervision.

Judicial Staff Attorney IIis the experienced, journey level in the Judicial Staff Attorney classification series. Judicial Staff Attorney II is distinguished from Judicial Staff Attorney I in that incumbents in the former class perform a wide scope of the more complex professional legal work with greater responsibility and minimal supervision.

Salary Range: $79,914 - $133,723 Annually

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