Law Clerk - Term

United States Courts; Knoxville (TN); On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

United States Courts in Knoxville seeks a Judicial Law Clerk for a term appointment not to exceed four years, beginning August 2027. The clerk researches issues of law, drafts bench briefs and opinions, attends motions and other proceedings, and serves as advisor to the Knoxville Division Magistrate Judges.

The chamber operates with a team of two career law clerks and two term law clerks and requires excellent interaction with judges and court staff.

Responsibilities

• Research issues of law and draft bench briefs and opinions.
• Attend motion hearings and other court proceedings.
• Advise and make recommendations based on the law to the Knoxville Division Magistrate Judges.
• Collaborate with a staff of two career law clerks and two term law clerks.
• Interact daily with Judges, chambers staff, Clerk's Office staff, and members of the bar.

Job description

Overview of the Position

U.S. Magistrate Judge Jill E. McCook is seeking a Judicial Law Clerk. The position is for a term to be determined, not to exceed four years, and is expected to begin in August 2027. The position may be extended without further competition. The Judicial Law Clerk researches issues of law, drafts bench briefs and opinions, attends motion hearings and other court proceedings, and acts as advisor, making recommendations based on the law, to the Knoxville Division Magistrate Judges. While this position is within the chambers of Honorable Jill E. McCook, U.S. Magistrate Judge, the chambers of the two magistrate judges in the Knoxville Division operate with a unique team approach in which they share and work in conjunction with a support staff of two career law clerks and two term law clerks. There is daily interaction with the Judges. Effective interaction with other chambers staff, Clerk's Office staff, and members of the bar is essential to this position. For a full position overview, qualifications, salary information, benefits, and application process, please see the vacancy announcement. The vacancy is open until filled with first preference given to applications received by Aug. 28, 2026.

The federal Judiciary is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer.