Utah's courts depend on lawyers who are willing to step forward and serve. Right now, several openings across the judiciary give Utah attorneys a chance to put their experience to work for the public. They include two judgeships, a key leadership role, and career clerkships. Whether you've spent years in the courtroom or you're looking for meaningful, stable work in public service, one of these opportunities may be your next step.
Serve on the Bench
Fifth District Court Judge
The Fifth District serves Beaver, Iron, and Washington counties. This seat opened when Judge Matthew Bell was confirmed to the Utah Supreme Court in September. District court judges hear a broad range of civil and criminal matters. This is a chance to shape the administration of justice in one of Utah's fastest-growing regions.
Application deadline: Friday, October 23, 2026. Applications must be submitted online.
Apply: judicialvacancy.utah.gov
Third District Juvenile Court Judge
The Third District Juvenile Court serves Salt Lake, Summit, and Tooele counties. Juvenile court judges make decisions that change the direction of young lives and families every day. If you have experience in child welfare, delinquency, or family law, consider bringing that perspective to the bench.
Application deadline: Monday, November 9, 2026. Applications must be submitted online.
Apply: judicialvacancy.utah.gov
Build a Career in the Courts
You don't have to wear a robe to make a lasting difference in Utah's justice system. These positions offer rewarding, stable careers for attorneys who want to support the work of the courts.
Appellate Court Administrator
The Appellate Court Administrator helps keep the Utah Supreme Court and Utah Court of Appeals running smoothly. This role is an excellent fit for a lawyer with leadership, management, and operations experience. Responsibilities include strategic planning, budget oversight, staff leadership, operational improvements and collaboration with judicial and legal community stakeholders. Interested candidates must submit a resume, cover letter, and three professional references.
Location: Matheson Courthouse, Salt Lake City
Employment: Full-time | Comprehensive benefits
Salary: $54.11–$86.57 per hour
Application deadline: Friday, October 13, 2026.
Apply: utcourts.applicantpro.com/jobs/4225422
Career Judicial Law Clerk and Term Judicial Law Clerk
Judicial law clerks work side by side with judges, and few jobs offer a closer view of how judicial decisions are made. Clerks research legal issues, analyze briefs and the record, prepare bench memos, and help draft orders and opinions. These roles suit attorneys who love the craft of legal reasoning and writing.
There are two kinds of clerkships, and the difference matters when deciding which fits your career.
Career clerks hold permanent positions. A career clerk often works with the same judge for many years and becomes a trusted advisor with deep knowledge of the judge's docket and approach. Career clerks also help hire and train the term clerks who rotate through chambers. This path suits experienced attorneys looking for a stable, long-term career in public service, without the pressures of billable hours or private practice.
Term clerks serve for a set period, usually one to two years. Term clerkships are often taken early in a career. They give intensive, high-level experience that opens doors in litigation, government, academia, and beyond. In the federal courts, a term clerk may serve no more than four years in total.
The U.S. District Court for the District of Utah is accepting applications for a permanent Career Judicial Law Clerk and a Term Judicial Law Clerk to the Honorable Robert J. Shelby.
- Salary: $74,678–$125,776
- Location: Salt Lake City
- Requirements: J.D. and bar membership
- Deadline: Open until filled
To apply: Send the required application materials to UTD_HumanResources@utd.uscourts.gov.
Learn more: View the full posting
Ready to Apply?
Full details for each of these positions are available on the Utah State Bar's Find a Job page, where you can also browse other legal opportunities across the state.
Know someone who would be a great fit? Send them this post. Many outstanding judges and court professionals first applied because a colleague encouraged them.
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This post will be unpublished once the application deadlines for these positions have passed. Please refer to the official postings for the most current information. AI was used to help compile information from the job postings, and all details were reviewed by the Bar's Communications Director before publication.