The Clerk of the Supreme Court may appoint a confidential assistant who shall perform such duties as may be required and who shall be subject to the merit system only as to the pay plan. Before entering upon the duties of his office, he shall execute to the State of Alabama a bond, to be approved by the Governor, in the amount of $5,000.00, for the faithful performance of his duties.
Ala. Code § 12-2-94 (1975)