Pro Se Law Clerk

United States Courts; Texarkana (TX); Hybrid; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Federal benefits

Job summary

United States Courts in the Eastern District of Texas seeks a Pro Se Law Clerk to support judges on prisoner civil rights and habeas corpus matters. You will screen complaints, perform legal research, review filings, and draft proposed opinions and orders.

The role requires discretion, integrity, and strong written and verbal communication. You will assist with pretrial conferences and trials and provide information to litigants, attorneys, and court staff to maintain fair and efficient case

Qualifications

• Law school graduate with strong academic credentials.
• Licensed attorney (out-of-state license acceptable).
• Superior research and writing skills with strong analytical ability.

Responsibilities

• Screen prisoner civil rights complaints and habeas petitions.
• Conduct legal research and review case records/filings.
• Draft proposed opinions, memorandum decisions and orders.
• Assist with pretrial conferences and trials; provide information to litigants and attorneys.

Skills

Legal research

Writing

Analytical ability

Verbal communication

Education

Juris Doctor (JD)

Tools

Case management systems

Legal research software

Word processing

Spreadsheets

Job description

Overview of the Position The U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Texas is a public service organization focused on providing exceptional customer service to the court, members of the legal community, and the general public. Currently, we are seeking a highly motivated and experienced individual to serve as Pro Se Law Clerk. There are seven offices within the Eastern District of Texas: Beaumont, Lufkin, Marshall, Plano, Sherman, Texarkana and Tyler.

Location Plano, Sherman, Tyler, Beaumont, Marshall, Texarkana, Lufkin, Remote, TX

This position involves working directly with judges on managing prisoner civil rights and habeas corpus cases. Duties include screening prisoner civil rights complaints and habeas corpus petitions. The pro se law clerk independently conducts legal research, reviews case records/filings and drafts proposed opinions, memorandum decisions and orders. This position provides objective advice to judges, chambers and court staff and provides information to litigants and attorneys. In addition, pro se law clerks work closely with judges assisting with various pretrial conferences and trials.

Qualifications

At the time of appointment, the candidate must be a law school graduate with strong academic credentials, be a licensed attorney (out-of-state license acceptable) and be proficient in computer assisted research, word processing and spreadsheet applications, requisite court programs and automated case management systems. To qualify for this position, the candidate must also possess superior research and writing skills, exhibit strong analytical ability and demonstrate excellent verbal, written and interpersonal skills. The candidate must also be able to maintain confidentiality, handle sensitive information and exercise discretion at all times. Demonstrated skill in providing excellent customer service is necessary, and a successful candidate will exhibit the qualities of judgment, temperament, integrity, trustworthiness and strong character required of an officer of the judiciary. Prior civil litigation experience is desirable.

Employee Benefits

The U.S. District Court falls within the Judicial Branch of the U.S. Government. Judiciary employees serve under “Excepted Appointment” and are considered “at-will” employees. As such, employment may be terminated by either the employer or the employee with or without cause. Federal Civil Service classifications/regulations do not apply; however, court employees are entitled to similar benefits as other federal employees. These benefits include paid holidays and annual/sick leave accrual, and participation in the Federal Employees’ Retirement System which contributes to the Social Security Retirement Program; the Federal Employees’ Health Benefits Program; the Federal Employees’ Group Life Insurance Program; and the Thrift Savings Plan (similar to a 401k plan with employer matching contributions). See the U.S. Courts website for an overview of Federal Judiciary benefits.

The federal Judiciary is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer.