What Abby Does

I know I can't best Gary's post about his work and office, but I thought I would post to explain a little of what my 9-5 life is like (well, actually 8:30-4:30).  The subject matter of my work is confidential, but I can give a general description.

My official job title is Law Clerk.  I assist Justice Rucker on the Indiana Supreme Court.  According to the Federal Judicial Center, "The practice of hiring a recently graduated law student to serve as an in-chambers judicial assistant was pioneered by Horace Gray. Both as the chief justice of the Supreme Judicial Court of Massachusetts (1864–1881) and as an associate justice of the Supreme Court of the United States (1882–1902)."  But, "it was not until 1919 that [the federal government] provided funding for the hiring of legally trained assistants."  These assistants were called "law clerks" to distinguish them from other clerical staff.  These early law clerks conducted legal research, checked citations, and performed a wide range of personal and administrative tasks for their judges.  (http://www.fjc.gov/history/home.nsf/page/admin_03_11.html).

My job is much like the description immediately above:  I research, check citations, and so some administrative tasks--though not much.  The bulk of my job is research and writing for various cases before the Court.  I work with both civil and criminal law; federal and state law.  Yes, I am still a licensed attorney, I am not in private practice (i.e. serving clients) currently.  I do get paid nicely for what I do; I am not an intern.

I have two co-workers besides the Justice: his administrative assistant and a co-clerk.  So there are a total of 4 of us in our office, which is called "chambers."  I'm lucky to have great coworkers who like to order Jimmy Johns sometimes, or indulge in Panera breakfast from time to time.

There are a few things that make my office better than Gary's!  I have two computer screens, caller ID, a refrigerator and microwave just steps from my desk, and a free water cooler (he's supposed to pitch in).  Sometimes I get jealous, though, because Gary has a private office.  If you know me well, you will understand that sometimes I like to hole up.  That gets difficult working in one large space with no privacy.

One last thing before I bore you to sleep!  This is a two-year position.  Law clerks generally don't stay on for longer than two years, because the concept is to give recent law graduates experience in the judicial branch.  The frequent turnover also helps give the judges new perspectives and insights.  There a few lucky people out there who have permanent positions--mostly in the federal system and Indiana Court of Appeals.  This would be my dream job.

 Mostly, I'm just thankful to have a job.  I'm extremely lucky that it is one I love.