Full Time Staff Attorney

The United States District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina is accepting applications for a full‑time, temporary Staff Attorney position in New Bern, North Carolina, starting in or about October 5, 2026. While designated as a Staff Attorney position, the incumbent in substance performs the work of a temporary law clerk in chambers. The incumbent provides the court with substantive procedural and legal advice regarding day‑to‑day legal, administrative, and policy matters, including with respect to the Camp Lejeune Justice Act of 2022 (“CLJA”). The incumbent conducts legal research, reviews case records/filings, drafts proposed opinions, memoranda, and orders, provides analysis and prepares reports, and interacts with judges, attorneys, government agencies, and members of the public. The incumbent may assist the court with substantial pretrial hearings, trials, and other court proceedings, including with respect to the CLJA. The incumbent also provides administrative and clerical assistance to the court as needed.

This position is a temporary, year‑and‑a‑day position. It is being advertised at a grade CL 27 to CL 29. Applications that are received by the initial cut‑off date of July 17, 2026, will receive first consideration.

Responsibilities

Provide substantive procedural and legal advice to the court on day‑to‑day matters including the CLJA.

Conduct legal research, review case records/filings, draft opinions, memoranda, and orders.

Produce analysis, reports, and provide briefing to judges, attorneys, government agencies, and the public.

Assist with pretrial hearings, trials, and other court proceedings.

Perform administrative and clerical assistance as needed.

Qualifications

Law school graduate at the time of appointment with strong academic credentials.

Superior legal research and writing skills.

Ability to work independently in a high‑volume environment while collaborating with others.

Preferred: membership in law review or moot court and/or standing within the top 20 % of law school class.

Benefits and Other Conditions

Salary based on experience and qualifications.

Paid annual and sick leave, eleven paid holidays per year.

Health and life insurance, a flexible benefits program, and a portable retirement plan with matching contributions.

Professional environment and entitlement to benefits similar to other government employees.

Electronic Fund Transfer (EFT) for payroll deposit is required.

Background investigation (including references, criminal history, and credit history) and biometric fingerprinting for an FBI background check.

Position temporary and subject to funding and budgetary constraints.

Travel and relocation expenses will not be reimbursed.

The court provides reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities. All employees are required to adhere to the “Code of Conduct for Judicial Employees,” which is available for review upon request. The court reserves the right to modify the conditions of this job announcement, to withdraw the job announcement, or to fill the position at any time before the closing date, any of which actions may occur without any prior written or other notice. Due to the volume of applications received, only candidates in consideration for this position will be contacted.

Application Procedures

Apply online at

Submit an application package including cover letter, resume, brief writing sample (≤10 pages), law school and undergraduate transcripts, three letters of recommendation, and Form AO 78, Application for Judicial Branch Federal Employment.

THE COURT IS AN EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER.

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