Be a bridge between the community and the courts
"Volunteers strengthen the court-community partnership by serving as active participants in their communities. They also help to promote public trust and confidence in the court system, which is so very important. Volunteers are vital to our court system."- Chief Justice Stuart Rabner
Explore our rewarding volunteer opportunities
Volunteers have been working in the courts for decades. Thousands of volunteers participate in the delivery of court services statewide, helping to resolve disputes justly for the people of New Jersey. Court volunteers represent a broad cross-section of the community, from high school students helping other youth avoid delinquency to adults and seniors who greet and assist court users, mediate neighborhood disputes, and advocate for children in foster care.
Watch the Court Volunteers: Making a Difference video featuring interviews with court volunteers who discuss the joys and benefits of their volunteer work.
Regional Opportunities for ISP Screening Boards
Volunteers can be selected to help screen inmates for the intensive Supervision Program. The program allows certain offenders the opportunity to work their way back into the community under close supervision by specially trained probation officers. Learn more about this volunteer opportunity.
Attorney Volunteers for Supreme Court Committees
Attorneys are encouraged to serve on Supreme Court committees that review the Rules of Court and propose changes and additions for the court's consideration. Attorney volunteers are also sought for district ethics and fee arbitration committees as part of the attorney discipline and regulatory process.
Frequently Asked Questions About Volunteer Services
Q. If I am involved in a court case, can I still be a volunteer?
To keep the trust of the people it serves, the Judiciary must maintain the highest degree of integrity. Court volunteers are required to accept and comply with all applicable Judiciary policies including the Code of Conduct and Litigation Reporting Policy for Judiciary Volunteers. Specifically, volunteers must report certain litigation involvement for themselves as well as for their immediate family members. The information reported is handled in a confidential manner and reviewed by designated judicial officers to determine whether the Judiciary needs to take any steps to avoid an actual or apparent conflict of interest.
Q. What should I consider before applying to become a court volunteer?
Prospective volunteers should read about the guidelines for becoming a court volunteer. Issues such as citizenship, age, and background checks are addressed.
Q. If I belong to a political organization, can I serve as a court volunteer?
Judiciary volunteers may hold elected or appointed political offices so long as doing so neither is nor appears to be in conflict with the nature of their volunteer duties. Volunteers, however, may not use their position with the Judiciary to further personal political ambitions to hold or retain public office or use the affiliation with the Judiciary in campaigning for themselves or any candidate. Please refer to the Code of Conduct and Litigation Reporting Policy for Judiciary Volunteers
Q. Can I apply for an internship?
For the Judiciary, an intern position is different from a volunteer position. The Internship Program is administered separately from the Volunteer Services Program. You can find out about available paid and unpaid internship opportunities, which are handled by the Human Resources Division of the Superior Court in each county.
Q. Do I have to volunteer in the County where I live?
Certain programs have local residency requirements. For further information, contact the volunteer services liaison in the county where you want to volunteer. You will find his or her contact information by clicking on the county in the above.
Q. What training is required for me to participate?
Newly appointed volunteers must complete a new volunteer orientation session which is a foundational training session designed to clarify the role of a court volunteer including general expectations. New volunteers also receive initial program-specific training on their detailed responsibilities.
Q. What kind of commitment is expected of me when volunteering?
Court volunteers are initially appointed to a one-year or three-year term, depending on the specific program, and may be reappointed for three-year terms thereafter. Some programs offer flexible scheduling both during and outside of normal court business hours. For more information about a specific program, contact the volunteer services liaison in the county where you want to volunteer. You will find his or her contact information by clicking on the county in the list to the left.
Q. What will I gain from my experience through volunteering?
Through court volunteer work, community members are able to make a difference in the lives of fellow community members. They contribute to the important mission of the Judiciary: justice. Volunteers gain knowledge, a unique experience, and an understanding of the inner workings of the court system while enhancing their personal development.
Q. What volunteer programs are available?
To learn more about volunteer programs at our NJ Courts, download our Volunteer Programs brochure.