Term Law Clerk
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The United States District Court is seeking to fill one full-time term law clerk position that would provide support to the Court. The position could begin immediately and ends September 30, 2025. Candidates with patent experience are strongly encouraged to apply.
Principal duties of the position include:
- Research substantive and complex issues of federal and state law;
- Draft legal memoranda, opinions, and orders;
- Prepare the Judge for hearings, settlement conferences, and trials;
- Perform basic administrative desk duties for the Judge;
- Assist the Judge and Courtroom Deputy Clerk with docket and case management;
- Generally provide legal counsel and support to the Judge; and
- Exhibit the highest standards of excellence and integrity.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
At the time of appointment, the candidate 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
- Patent experience
- Prior federal clerkship or externship experience
- Prior litigation experience
- Law review or any significant legal writing experience
- Bar membership
Compensation will be set based on the experience and qualifications of the successful candidate, 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.
- As a condition of employment, the successful candidate is required to undergo an FBI background check. The selectee may be appointed provisionally, with retention dependent upon a favorable suitability determination from the background check.
- The successful candidate must be a U.S. citizen or a lawful permanent resident of the United States currently seeking citizenship or intending to become a citizen 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: http://www.cacd.uscourts.gov.
HOW TO APPLY
Applications should be submitted to [email protected]. Documents must be in Microsoft Word or PDF format, and the email should reference the vacancy number. Complete applications must include the following:
- A cover letter
- A resume or curriculum vitae;
- Two recent writing samples, with a cover letter for each sample stating whether it has been edited by others;
- Law school transcript;
- At least three references (preferably current or former employers); and
- An application for Federal Branch Employment (visit the court’s website at www.cacd.uscourts.gov 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.