Section 93. The salary of the clerk of the supreme judicial court for the commonwealth shall be 81.57 per cent of the salary of the chief justice of the supreme judicial court and shall be paid, subject to appropriation, by the commonwealth. The salary of the first assistant clerk of said court shall be 89.25 per cent of the salary of said clerk and shall be paid, subject to appropriation, by the commonwealth. The salary of the assistant clerks of the supreme judicial court for the commonwealth shall be 82.50 per cent of the salary of said clerk and shall be paid, subject to appropriation, by the commonwealth. The clerk of the supreme judicial court for the commonwealth may employ necessary clerical assistance and may expend for said purpose such sums as may be appropriated therefore, subject, however, to the approval of the chief justice.

Said clerk and assistant clerk shall devote their entire time during ordinary business hours to their respective duties and shall not, directly or indirectly, engage in the practice of law.