Judicial Policy & Clerk's Office Advisor

United States Courts; New York (NY); On-site; USD 119,000 - 197,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

11 Paid Holidays

Group Life Insurance

Retirement Benefits Plan (FERS)

Thrift Savings Plan (TSP)

Flexible Spending Accounts

Transit Subsidy Program

On-site fitness center

Employee assistance program (EAP)

Mandatory EFT for net pay

Job summary

The Southern District of New York invites applications for the Attorney Advisor position, providing primary legal support to the Clerk of Court. The role requires rigorous analysis of statutes, rules, and procedures, and collaboration with the Office’s leadership to maintain a high‑performing judiciary office.

Candidates must have a JD, be admitted to the bar, and at least four years of progressively responsible legal experience.

Qualifications

• A Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree from an accredited law school and admission to a bar.
• A minimum of four years of progressively responsible experience in the practice of law, legal research, or legal administration, or equivalent experience gained after graduation from law school.
• Ability to analyze complex legal questions, conduct thorough legal research, and propose sound solutions; skill in legal reasoning and critical thinking.
• Strong written and oral communication skills, including the ability to draft memoranda, orders, rules, and notices based on sound reasoning and to convey complex information clearly and concisely.
• Ability to understand and carry out detailed, complex, and evolving instructions while managing tight deadlines and competing priorities; excellent organizational skills.
• Excellent interpersonal skills, including tact and the ability to de-escalate conflict, and the demonstrated ability to work effectively with judges, Court staff, the bar, and the public.
• Sound ethics and judgment, and the ability to consistently maintain Court confidentiality and comply with the Code of Conduct for Judicial Employees.
• Ability to self-motivate, take initiative, and work independently under general guidance and direction.
• Skill in project and organizational management and the ability to adapt to shifting requirements in a fast-paced judicial environment.

Responsibilities

• Conduct legal research and provide advice to the Clerk of Court on matters of policy and procedure affecting Clerk’s Office operations, Court activities, and assigned projects.
• Analyze and interpret statutes, regulations, directives, Court rules, and orders affecting the operation of the Clerk’s Office and the Court, and monitor proposed legislation and policy changes for their impact on Court operations.
• Conduct internal audits and reviews of Clerk’s Office operations to ensure compliance with applicable statutes, rules, policies, and procedures.
• Draft memoranda, administrative orders, official correspondence, and other documents for the Clerk of Court and Chief Judge; proofread documents and verify citations.
• Prepare responses to surveys and requests for information from the Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts, attorneys, other clerks’ offices, and the public regarding statutes, rules, policies, and procedures.
• Draft responses to public and attorney inquiries regarding Court procedures.
• Provide administrative support and counsel to the Clerk’s Office Committee, including drafting agendas and presentations, attending meetings, and recording minutes.
• Serve as project lead for certain operational initiatives, directing project scope, timelines, and deliverables with an emphasis on legal and procedural requirements.
• Collaborate with team members to assess the impact of proposed technology solutions on operations.
• Prepare and maintain comprehensive project documentation, including project plans, status report, and implementation assessments.
• Provide administrative support and counsel to the SDNY Rules Committee and the Joint EDNY/SDNY Rules Committee, including meeting logistics, attendance, and drafting of minutes.
• Serve as editor of the SDNY ECF Rules; maintain draft amendments, coordinate periodic review packages with stakeholders, and work with the Clerk and Clerk’s Office Committee on proposed revisions.
• Recommend, draft, review, and edit rules, policies, procedures, forms, and templates pertaining to Court and Clerk’s Office operations to ensure compliance with applicable authority.
• Draft and coordinate distribution of Notices to the Bar, including proposed rule amendments, public comment periods, and redline versions of amended rules.
• Coordinate the Conflict Review Certification process for the judges, including collection of certifications, related communications, and preparation of the final certification report to the Second Circuit.
• Provide guidance and support to judges regarding conflicts of interest and recusal matters, including preparation of related correspondence to counsel.

Skills

Legal research

Analytical thinking

Communication skills

Interpersonal skills

Ethics and confidentiality

Project management

Policy analysis

Education

Juris Doctor (J.D.)

Bar admission

Job description

The Southern District of New York invites applications for the Attorney Advisor position, providing primary legal support to the Clerk of Court. The role requires rigorous analysis of statutes, rules, and procedures, and collaboration with the Office’s leadership to maintain a high‑performing judiciary office.

Candidates must have a JD, be admitted to the bar, and at least four years of progressively responsible legal experience.