Judicial Law Clerk - Term

Kentucky AG; Lexington (KY); Hybrid; USD 75,000 - 138,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Life insurance

Flexible spending accounts

Job summary

The United States Bankruptcy Court for the Eastern District of Kentucky seeks a Judicial Law Clerk (term). Based in Lexington, KY, the role supports research, court proceedings, and drafting bench memos, orders, and opinions.

Travel may be required; expected availability January 2027; competitive pay per the Judicial Salary Plan. Requirements include top-tier law school standing, editor experience, JD or LLM, bar admission, and strong research/writing skills with proficiency in MS Office,

Qualifications

• Applicants must be law school graduates with an LLM or JD degree, be admitted to practice law in at least one jurisdiction, and possess excellent legal research, writing, and proofreading skills.
• Proficiency in MS Office, Westlaw, and Lexis is required, along with a professional demeanor and exceptional organizational, interpersonal, and communication skills.
• Preference will be given to candidates with significant bankruptcy and/or litigation experience.

Responsibilities

• Researching legal issues
• Attending court proceedings
• Drafting bench memoranda, orders, and opinions
• Reviewing orders
• Checking citations
• Performing additional law clerk assignments
• Completing administrative tasks
• Some travel may be required.

Skills

Legal research

Legal writing

Proofreading

MS Office

Westlaw

Lexis

Organizational skills

Interpersonal skills

Communication

Education

JD or LLM degree

Tools

Westlaw

Lexis

MS Office

Job description

Position: JUDICIAL LAW CLERK – TERM

Opening Date: September 25, 2026

Closing Date: October 30, 2026

Salary Range: $74,678 - $138,370 (JSP 11/01 - JSP 13/10) depending on qualifications and previous experience in the Federal Judiciary

Location: Lexington, KY

POSITION SUMMARY

The United States Bankruptcy Court for the Eastern District of Kentucky is accepting applications for Judicial Law Clerk. This position is expected to become available by January 2027.

• researching legal issues
• attending court proceedings
• drafting bench memoranda, orders, and opinions
• reviewing orders
• checking citations
• performing additional law clerk assignments
• completing administrative tasks

Some travel may be required.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS

• Standing within the upper third of the law school class
• Experience on the editorial board of a law review
• Demonstrated proficiency in legal studies (considered equivalent to the above in the opinion of a judge)

QUALIFICATIONS

• Applicants must be law school graduates with an LLM or JD degree, be admitted to practice law in at least one jurisdiction, and possess excellent legal research, writing, and proofreading skills.
• Proficiency in MS Office, Westlaw, and Lexis is required, along with a professional demeanor and exceptional organizational, interpersonal, and communication skills.
• Preference will be given to candidates with significant bankruptcy and/or litigation experience.

SALARY AND BENEFITS

The specific pay level is based on the successful applicant’s qualifications and experience, in accordance with the Judicial Salary Plan of the U.S. Courts. This position does not carry the tenure rights afforded to positions in the competitive Civil Service. Other federal government benefits (e.g., holidays, life and health insurance, and flexible spending accounts) may apply. Participation in Electronic Funds Transfer for net pay is mandatory.

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

Applicants must be United States citizens or otherwise eligible to work in the United Successful candidates are subject to a background check, including Employees serve at will; therefore, the selected candidate may be removed from the position at any time.

Employees are required to adhere to the Code of Conduct for Judicial Employees

The United States Bankruptcy Court for the Eastern District of Kentucky is an Equal Opportunity Employer and has adopted an EEO/Employment Dispute Resolution Plan.