Law Clerk - Term

United States Courts; Salt Lake City (UT); On-site; USD 73,000 - 106,000; Full time

Job summary

The U.S. District Court for the District of Utah is seeking a judicial law clerk for U.S. Magistrate Judge Daphne A. Oberg. This position offers an opportunity to work on complex civil cases while providing legal advice, with a generous benefit package in a supportive workplace.

Benefits

Health and dental benefits

Paid time off

Paid holiday leave

Flexible schedules

Qualifications

• Must be a member in good standing of the bar or have a pending application.
• Superb writing skills required.
• Familiarity with electronic filing and case management systems is beneficial.

Responsibilities

• Manage civil case aspects and ensure proper progress.
• Perform legal research and draft documents for the judge.
• Answer general questions from attorneys and the public.

Skills

Effective communication

Organizational skills

Time management

Legal research skills

Problem-solving

Education

Juris Doctorate degree

Job description

Overview of the Position The U.S. District Court for the District of Utah is accepting applications for a judicial law clerk position to U.S. Magistrate Judge Daphne A. Oberg for a term beginning in August 2026. The starting salary is $73,939 - $105,383 based on qualifications and experience. This is a term clerk position, fully in-person in Salt Lake City. By Judicial Conference policy, a “term” law clerk may not serve more than four years in the federal system. This position will have an employment assignment of up to two years. The U.S. District Court for the District of Utah is part of the federal Judicial branch of government and is independent of the Executive and Legislative branches. The court sets its own employment policies including remote work and performance management, while also valuing employees' individualism and continuing to strive towards a diverse, equitable and inclusive workplace.

The judicial law clerk serves as legal advisor to the Honorable Daphne A. Oberg on civil cases. 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, legal experience, significant responsibility, and challenging work. Responsibilities include:

• Managing all aspects of assigned civil cases; reviewing docket of pending civil cases to assure proper progress
• Performing legal research as needed; identifying problem areas, making recommendations, and offering 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 will also have responsibility for some clerical/administrative duties, as the chambers arrangements do not include a judicial assistant. These duties include coordinating the judge’s appointments and court schedule; 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, by the time the clerkship begins, have a Juris Doctorate degree and be a member in good standing of, or have a pending application to, the bar of a state, territory, or Federal Court of general jurisdiction. Litigation experience is not required but is 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 court offers a generous benefit package, competitive salary and dedication to work/life balance including flexible schedules, and court paid public transportation or parking pass.The starting salary is $73,939 - $105,383 based on qualifications and experience.The position falls within the Judicial Branch of the U.S. Government and the benefits include: health, dental, vision, life, paid time off, and paid holiday leave. This position is subject to mandatory direct deposit participation.

The judicial law clerk serves as legal advisor to the Honorable Daphne A. Oberg on civil cases. 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, legal experience, significant responsibility, and challenging work. Responsibilities include:

• Managing all aspects of assigned civil cases; reviewing docket of pending civil cases to assure proper progress
• Performing legal research as needed; identifying problem areas, making recommendations, and offering 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 will also have responsibility for some clerical/administrative duties, as the chambers arrangements do not include a judicial assistant. These duties include coordinating the judge’s appointments and court schedule; 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.

Application Info

Application Instructions:

Qualified candidates are invited to submit:

• Letter of interest
• Detailed resume including education and previous employment
• Two writing samples that have not been edited by others (no more than 15 pages each)
• Application for Judicial Branch Employment (AO 78 )
• A list of three professional references

The application form (AO 78 ) is available via the court’s website or at the address listed below from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday - Friday. Application packages must be emailed in pdf format or received in hard copy no later than July 17, 2025. Applications will be screened for completeness and qualifications. Only the most qualified applicants will be contacted and selected for a personal interview. Incomplete applications will not be considered. Interview and relocation expenses will not be reimbursed. If an accommodation is necessary to interview, please advise the Human Resources Office.

Or mail or hand deliver by close of business July 17, 2025 to:

U.S. District Court
Attn: HR – Oberg Judicial Law Clerk position
351 South West Temple, Suite 2.117
Salt Lake City, UT 84101

The federal Judiciary is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer.