Term Law Clerk

The United States District Court is seeking to fill two full-time term law clerk positions that would provide support to the Court. The positions begin October 1, 2026, and October 13, 2026, and end September 30, 2027.


Representative Responsibilities:

Principal duties of the positions include:

• Research substantive and complex issues of federal and state law;
• Draft legal memoranda, opinions, and orders;
• Prepare the Judges for hearings, settlement conferences, and trials;
• Assist the Judges and Courtroom Deputy Clerks with docket and case management;
• Generally provide legal counsel and support to the Judges; and
• Exhibit the highest standards of excellence and integrity.

Skills/Qualifications:

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

At the time of appointment, the candidates must possess the following minimum requirements:

• Graduate of an ABA accredited law school with excellent academic credentials
• Exceptional research and writing skills
• Keen analytical ability and balanced judgment
• Meticulous attention to detail
• Ability to independently manage a large number of cases
• Proficiency in computer and word processing skills
• Excellent oral and written communication skills

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Prior federal clerkship or externship experience
• Prior litigation experience
• Patent experience
• Law review or any significant legal writing experience
• Bar membership

Compensation and Benefits:

Compensation will be set based on the experience and qualifications of the successful candidates, subject to the policies and guidelines set forth in the Guide to Judiciary Policy. Benefits include federal employees' group health insurance, life insurance, dental and vision insurance, and flexible spending accounts. Commuter subsidies are available to employees who utilize public transportation to and from work.

Information for Applicants:

• As a condition of employment, the successful candidates are required to undergo an FBI background check. The selectees may be appointed provisionally, with retention dependent upon a favorable suitability determination from the background check.
• The successful candidates must be U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents of the United States currently seeking citizenship or intending to become citizens as soon as they meet the eligibility requirements.
• This position is subject to mandatory electronic fund transfer (direct deposit) participation for payment of net pay.
• Applicants selected for interview must travel at their own expense. Relocation expenses will not be reimbursed.
• The United States District Court requires employees to adhere to the Code of Conduct for Federal Judicial Employees, which is available on the Court's website: .

HOW TO APPLY

Applications should be submitted to View email address on click.appcast.io . Documents must be in Microsoft Word or PDF format, and the email should reference the vacancy number. Complete applications must include the following:

1. A cover letter;

2. A resume;

3. Two recent writing samples, with a cover letter for each sample stating whether it has been edited by others, and certifying that AI was not used to draft any portion of the writing sample;

4. Law school transcript;

5. At least three references (preferably current or former employers); and

6. An application for Federal Branch Employment (visit the court's website at to download the job application).

Due to the volume of applications received, the Court will only communicate with those individuals who will be interviewed. Applicants scheduled to interview should advise the Human Resources staff if any accommodation will be necessary to interview. Unfortunately, the Court is unable to reimburse applicants for any travel or parking costs.

The Court reserves the right to modify the conditions of this announcement, commence interviews immediately, withdraw the announcement, or fill the position at any time, any of which actions may occur without notice.

The Federal Judiciary is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer.