(CNN) As Justice John Paul Stevens returns to the Supreme Court for the final time to lie in repose, he will be accompanied by about 80 of his former clerks, 12 of whom will serve as honorary pallbearers as others line the steps of the marble building as his casket arrives.

Once inside, the clerks are expected to rotate "standing vigil" over the casket while well-wishers pay their respects.

Chief Justice John Roberts, Justices Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Samuel Alito, Sonia Sotomayor, Elena Kagan and retired Justice Anthony Kennedy participated in a brief ceremony in the great hall Monday morning. Justices Neil Gorsuch, Brett Kavanaugh, Stephen Breyer and Clarence Thomas all had long-standing commitments, according to the court's public information officer. Ashley Kavanaugh attended the ceremony, and retired Justice David Souter is expected to attend Tuesday's private burial.

President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump paid their respects to Stevens at the court late Monday morning. The first couple stopped in front of the late justice's casket for a few moments and then viewed his portrait. Before paying his respects, the President greeted and briefly spoke with Roberts.

The relationship between a clerk and a justice can be very powerful as the clerk -- often just a few years out of law school -- has the rare opportunity to experience the law at the highest echelons. Later, the justice serves as a mentor as career choices develop.

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