Per Curiam
Per Curiam is a Latin term used in legal work that means "by the court as a whole." When you see this on a resume, it typically refers to court decisions or opinions that are issued in the name of the entire court rather than being written by a single judge. It's like a group project where the whole team takes credit together, rather than individual work. This term often appears in the context of judicial clerkships, legal research, or court administration roles. When candidates mention Per Curiam work, they're usually highlighting their experience with collaborative court decisions or their understanding of how courts make unified decisions.
Examples in Resumes
Assisted in research and drafting of Per Curiam opinions for state appellate court
Analyzed and summarized Per Curiam decisions for judicial review
Managed database of Per Curiam opinions for federal district court
Typical job title: "Legal Clerks"
Also try searching for:
Where to Find Legal Clerks
Legal Professional Networks
Job Boards
Professional Resources
Example Interview Questions
Senior Level Questions
Q: How do you manage the workflow of Per Curiam opinions in a busy court?
Expected Answer: A senior candidate should discuss experience coordinating between multiple judges, managing deadlines, ensuring consistent legal analysis, and maintaining confidentiality throughout the process.
Q: What factors determine whether a decision should be issued Per Curiam?
Expected Answer: Should demonstrate understanding of court procedures, case significance, time constraints, and consensus-building among judges.
Mid Level Questions
Q: What's the difference between a Per Curiam opinion and a regular court opinion?
Expected Answer: Should explain that Per Curiam opinions are issued by the court as a whole rather than an individual judge, typically for straightforward cases or when unanimity is important.
Q: How do you ensure accuracy in Per Curiam opinion drafting?
Expected Answer: Should discuss research methods, fact-checking procedures, and review processes involving multiple staff members.
Junior Level Questions
Q: What is a Per Curiam opinion?
Expected Answer: Should be able to explain that it's a court decision issued under the court's name rather than a specific judge's name, showing basic understanding of court documents.
Q: What type of cases typically receive Per Curiam opinions?
Expected Answer: Should mention straightforward cases, unanimous decisions, or emergency matters requiring quick court action.
Experience Level Indicators
Junior (0-2 years)
- Basic legal research
- Document preparation
- Understanding of court procedures
- Filing and organization
Mid (2-5 years)
- Draft basic legal documents
- Case management
- Legal analysis
- Court administration
Senior (5+ years)
- Advanced legal writing
- Opinion drafting
- Staff supervision
- Complex case management
Red Flags to Watch For
- No understanding of basic court procedures
- Lack of attention to detail in legal documents
- Poor writing skills
- No knowledge of legal research methods
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