Law Clerk (Temporary)

Monroe County Bar Association; Buffalo, Northern (NY, KY); Hybrid; USD 75,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

The United States District Court for the Western District of New York is seeking a temporary law clerk to support United States District Judge John L. Sinatra, Jr.

The clerk will research, review filings, summarize issues, and draft memoranda and proposed orders to aid expeditious resolution of cases. Candidates must have graduated from law school; preferred is top quartile class rank and strong editorial experience on law reviews or journals.

Qualifications

• Graduated from law school.
• Strong legal research and writing skills.
• Experience on the editorial board of a law review or law journal preferred.

Responsibilities

• Conduct legal research
• Review case records and filings, and analyze legal issues
• Draft legal memoranda and propose opinions and orders
• Discuss legal analysis with assigned Judge
• Provide procedural information to litigants and counsel
• Perform case management and other duties associated with the administration of cases

Skills

Legal research

Legal writing

Analytical ability

Top quartile class rank

Education

Juris Doctor (JD) or equivalent

Job description

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United States District Court Western District of New York

Location:

Category Description:

Job Type:

Full-Time

VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT

UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT
WESTERN DISTRICT OF NEW YORK

Address: 2 Niagara Square, Buffalo, NY Website: www.nywd.uscourts.gov

Position

Law Clerk (Temporary)

Vacancy

26-11

Duty Station

Buffalo, New York

Salary

Salary commensurate with experience and education

Overview

The United States District Court for the Western District of New York is seeking a temporary law clerk to support United States District Judge John L. Sinatra, Jr.

Law clerks provide the Court with procedural and substantive legal advice regarding the disposition and efficient completion of cases. They review, summarize, research, and analyze matters before the Court. Their research and recommendations assist the Court in resolving legal arguments presented and in deciding cases expeditiously. CLICK HERE https://www.uscourts.gov/careers/who-works-judiciary/legal-careers to view a brief video about legal professionals working in the Courts.

Representative Duties

• Conduct legal research
• Review case records and filings, and analyze legal issues
• Draft legal memoranda and propose opinions and orders
• Discuss legal analysis with assigned Judge
• Provide procedural information to litigants and counsel
• Perform case management and other duties associated with the administration of cases

Qualification Requirements

To qualify, eligible candidates must have graduated from law school.

Preferred Qualifications/Court Preferred Skills

Prior experience, standing within the upper quarter of law school class, superior analytical ability and strong legal research and writing skills, and experience on the editorial board of a law review or law journal preferred.

Organizational Relationship

This position reports directly to United States District Judge John L. Sinatra, Jr.

Benefits

Click HERE https://www.uscourts.gov/careers/benefits to learn more about the Judiciary’s benefits.

Background Investigation

This is a sensitive position within the Judiciary. Employment will be considered provisional pending successful completion of an Office of Personnel Management background check and a favorable suitability determination.

Temporary Period of Employment

Approximately mid-October 2026 through early January 2027

District Overview

The District’s jurisdiction encompasses the 17 most western counties of Upstate New York, with courthouses located in Buffalo and Rochester. The District is comprised of seven United States District Judges, seven United States Magistrate Judges, and approximately 100 employees.

Applicant Information

Employees must adhere to a Code of Conduct. The Court provides reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities. Veterans’ preference is not a factor used in Judicial Branch appointments. Applicants must be U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents seeking U.S. citizenship. Positions with the U.S. Courts are excepted service appointments, which are “at will” and may be terminated with or without cause. Employees are required to use electronic funds transfer for payroll deposit.

The United States District Court for the Western District of New York is an Equal Opportunity Employer.