Law Clerk - Temporary

United States Courts; Salt Lake City (UT); On-site; USD 75,000 - 106,000; Full time

Job summary

The United States Courts in Utah is seeking a temporary judicial law clerk for U.S. Magistrate Judge Cecilia M. Romero.

The role involves advising the judge, managing busy civil and criminal dockets, performing legal research, drafting bench memoranda, and answering questions from attorneys and the public. The ideal candidate holds a JD, is in good standing, and demonstrates outstanding writing, organizational, and time-management skills, with the ability to work independently and in a

Qualifications

• Juris Doctorate and bar in good standing
• Strong written and oral communication
• Ability to maintain confidentiality
• Proactive self-starter with initiative
• Ability to work in a team-based environment
• Superior writing, organizational, time-management skills
• Familiarity with e-filing and case management systems

Responsibilities

• Manage all aspects of assigned civil and criminal cases
• Perform legal research and propose solutions
• Draft bench memoranda, opinions, and Reports and Recommendations
• Provide information to the judge and communicate with court officials
• Stay current on changes in law and rules

Skills

Legal research

Legal writing

Oral communication

Confidentiality

Time management

Education

Juris Doctorate

Tools

E-filing system

Case management system

Job description

Overview of the Position The U.S. District Court for the District of Utah is accepting applications for a temporary judicial law clerk position to U.S. Magistrate Judge Cecilia M. Romero. The salary is $74,678 - $106,437 based on qualifications and experience. This full-time position will begin January 2027 through September 2027.

The judicial law clerk serves as legal advisor to the Honorable Cecilia M. Romero. The caseload in the jurisdiction is heavy, and the types of cases presented are varied and often involve novel issues of law. Employment with the U.S. District Court offers a generous benefit package, civil and criminal law experience, significant responsibility, and challenging work. Responsibilities include:

• Managing all aspects of assigned civil and criminal cases; review docket of pending cases to assure proper progress
• Performing legal research as needed; identify problem areas, make recommendations, and offer solutions
• Providing information and advice to the U.S. Magistrate Judge in connection with pending litigation; drafting bench memoranda, opinions, and Reports and Recommendations for the judge’s review
• Answering general and procedural questions from attorneys, pro se litigants, and the public; communicating with other court officials and employees from other federal agencies
• Keeping abreast of changes in the law and federal and local rules to keep the judge advised of significant changes

The judicial law clerk may also have responsibility for some clerical/administrative duties, as the chambers arrangements do not include a judicial assistant. These duties may include coordinating the judge’s meeting, appointments, and court schedule; making travel arrangements and submitting requests for travel reimbursement; assisting the courtroom deputy in maintaining electronic court calendar; having familiarity with the court’s electronic filing and case management system; answering and screening telephone calls; having proficiency with proofreading and editing material for grammar, spelling accuracy, and word usage; and performing other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

The successful candidate must have a Juris Doctorate degree and be a member in good standing of the bar of a state, territory or Federal Court of general jurisdiction. Litigation experience is not required but is strongly preferred.

The successful candidate must be able to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing; possess good judgment and discretion; be dependable, responsible, and able to maintain confidentiality; be a proactive self-starter and demonstrate initiative in problem solving; be able to work quickly and harmoniously with others in a team-based environment; and present a poised, professional appearance and demeanor at all times. This position requires superb writing skills, along with organizational, people, and time-management skills. A successful candidate must also be able to juggle many changing priorities and demands at the same time. Computer-assisted legal research and word processing skills are essential.

Employee Benefits

The salary for this position is a Judicial Salary Plan (JSP) 11- $74,678 to (JSP) 13- $106,437, based on qualifications and experience. This temporary position is not eligible for benefit coverage.

Conditions of Employment

All application information is subject to verification. Appointment to this position is contingent upon a background investigation, including an FBI fingerprint check. The judicial law clerk serves at the pleasure of the court and is an 'at will' employee who can be terminated with or without cause. All judiciary employees are required to adhere to the Judicial Code of Conduct. Applicants must be United States citizens or in the process of becoming a United States citizen.

The federal Judiciary is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer.