Staff Attorney

The U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Indiana is accepting applications for one full-time Staff Attorney position. Staff attorneys work within the Staff Attorney Office, which assists the court in managing its prisoner civil rights and habeas corpus docket. The Staff Attorney is appointed by the chief judge, but performs duties and responsibilities for all district judges, including legal research, substantial drafting of proposed entries; screening of prisoner civil rights complaints and habeas petitions; reviewing motions to determine issues involved and bases for relief; assisting judicial officers in conducting hearings, conferences, and trials; providing information regarding court proceedings to the public, the bar, and pro se litigants; providing case management of prisoner litigation; preparing periodic reports reflecting the status and flow of cases; and providing information to other court personnel regarding prisoner cases. This position is dependent on available funding, dependent upon annual court filings. Although the Court prefers that the staff attorney be based in Indianapolis, the position is eligible for telework if the applicant has highly relevant professional experience. Qualifications Candidates must have the following minimum qualifications: (1) law school graduation in the top quarter of the graduating class (top 10% preferred); (2) law review/journal experience; (3) good character and maturity; (4) excellent skills in research, case management, writing, proofreading, communication, and source and cite checking (including use of proper Bluebook form); (5) proficiency in computer-assisted legal research, Windows, and MS Word; (6) minimum of one year's experience (five preferred) in the practice of law, in a judicial clerkship, or other comparable position demanding high quality legal writing and management of a heavy volume of cases; and (7) ability and willingness to work collegially with others. Employee Benefits Participation in the federal health, dental and vision programs of the employee's choice. Participation in the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS), including the Thrift Savings Plan - similar to a 401(k). Participation in a group life insurance program. Participation in a group long-term disability insurance program. Participation in a long-term care insurance program. Participation in a flexible spending account for medical and/or dependent care expenses on a pre-tax basis. Credit for prior government service. Paid annual and sick leave and applicable paid holidays per year pro-rated for part time employment. Applicants are subject to a complete FBI fingerprint check and background investigation. Employment will be provisional and contingent upon the satisfactory completion of the required background investigation. The Federal Financial Reform Act requires direct deposit of federal wages for court employees. The U.S. District Court is a smoke-free environment. All judicial employees are required to adhere to the Code of Conduct. Applicants must be U.S. citizens or eligible to work in the United States. The federal Judiciary is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. #J-18808-Ljbffr