Closing Date: 12th June, 2026
Description:
Duties DescriptionPOSITION TITLE: LEGAL FELLOW
BASE SALARY: $82,198
CLASSIFICATION: NON-COMPETITIVE/CONFIDENTIAL - Temporary 1-Year Fellowship (renewable for up to one year)
The Franklin H. Williams Judicial Commission, in coordination with the New York State Unified Court System, offers one-year Legal Fellowships to recent law school graduates interested in pursuing a legal career in public service. The Fellowships are renewable for one additional year at the discretion of the Williams Commission. The Legal Fellow assists with researching and writing and rotate in the various courts for the judicial district where the Legal Fellow is assigned in order to be exposed to various areas of the law. This assignment will offer valuable professional legal experience to new attorneys while also exposing them to judicial decision making and court operations. The Legal Fellow will have the opportunity to work on Williams Commission projects during one of their rotations. The Legal Fellows Program will also provide a unique perspective on the justice system. Forums will be conducted for the Legal Fellows to meet with judges, elected officials, government appointees and public policy makers to learn about their work in public service as well as their individual professional experiences. Together with the Fellowship assignments, these forums will provide practical insight into the courts and professional opportunities in the legal system.
There are currently three (3) one-year fellowships available in Upstate New York (Albany, Binghamton, Buffalo, Syracuse or Rochester). The fellowship is renewable for one additional year at the discretion of the Franklin H. Williams Judicial Commission. Duties include but are not limited to: researching and analyzing complex legal issues, drafting orders, opinions, and correspondence, proofreading opinions, learning and utilizing court technologies and resources, and preparing for trials, which includes drafting jury charges and verdict forms. A comprehensive state employment benefits package will be available.
Minimum Qualifications
BASE SALARY: $82,198
CLASSIFICATION: NON-COMPETITIVE/CONFIDENTIAL - Temporary 1-Year Fellowship (renewable for up to one year)
The Franklin H. Williams Judicial Commission, in coordination with the New York State Unified Court System, offers one-year Legal Fellowships to recent law school graduates interested in pursuing a legal career in public service. The Fellowships are renewable for one additional year at the discretion of the Williams Commission. The Legal Fellow assists with researching and writing and rotate in the various courts for the judicial district where the Legal Fellow is assigned in order to be exposed to various areas of the law. This assignment will offer valuable professional legal experience to new attorneys while also exposing them to judicial decision making and court operations. The Legal Fellow will have the opportunity to work on Williams Commission projects during one of their rotations. The Legal Fellows Program will also provide a unique perspective on the justice system. Forums will be conducted for the Legal Fellows to meet with judges, elected officials, government appointees and public policy makers to learn about their work in public service as well as their individual professional experiences. Together with the Fellowship assignments, these forums will provide practical insight into the courts and professional opportunities in the legal system.
There are currently three (3) one-year fellowships available in Upstate New York (Albany, Binghamton, Buffalo, Syracuse or Rochester). The fellowship is renewable for one additional year at the discretion of the Franklin H. Williams Judicial Commission. Duties include but are not limited to: researching and analyzing complex legal issues, drafting orders, opinions, and correspondence, proofreading opinions, learning and utilizing court technologies and resources, and preparing for trials, which includes drafting jury charges and verdict forms. A comprehensive state employment benefits package will be available.
Minimum Qualifications
Receipt of a Juris Doctor degree from a fully accredited law school. Applicants must have graduated no more than 3 years prior to the date of appointment.
Some positions may require additional credentials or a background check to verify your identity.
Some positions may require additional credentials or a background check to verify your identity.