Pro Se Law Clerk (Full-Time)

Nacba; Buffalo (NY); On-site; USD 75,000 - 108,000; Full time

Job summary

The United States District Court for the Western District of New York seeks two full-time Pro Se Law Clerks to support prisoner civil rights, habeas corpus, and other civil cases. Duty station is Buffalo or Rochester, NY, with potential telework from anywhere in the United States.

Candidates must have a law degree and bar admission, plus strong research and writing skills, independence, and analytical ability. Experience in constitutional or civil rights matters is a plus.

Qualifications

• Graduated from law school and admitted to the bar.
• Strong academic credentials with excellent research and writing skills.
• Ability to work independently with superior analytical ability; litigation experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Assist the Court in screening civil complaints from incarcerated litigants and those with in forma pauperis status.
• Provide general support for the civil pro se docket (e.g., 42 U.S.C. § 1983; habeas corpus petitions).
• Maintain an active caseload independently.
• Prepare periodic status reports; identify problems and recommend solutions to Court and officials.
• Stay informed on changes in prisoner litigation law.
• Provide information and guidance to Court and staff on prisoner litigation.

Skills

Legal research

Legal writing

Independent work

Analytical ability

Communication skills

Education

Juris Doctor (ABA-accredited)

Bar admission

Tools

Computer literacy

Job description

VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT

UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT

WESTERN DISTRICT OF NEW YORK

Address: 2 Niagara Square, Buffalo, NY

100 State Street, Rochester, NY

Website: www.nywd.uscourts.gov

Position:Pro Se Law Clerk (Full-Time)

Two Positions Available

Vacancy:26-12

Duty Station: Buffalo or Rochester, New York

Full-time telework from anywhere in the United States may be available.

Salary: JSP Grade 11-14, $75,202 - $107,987

Overview

The United States District Court for the Western District of New York is seeking two full-time Pro Se Law Clerks to provide legal support in prisoner civil rights, habeas corpus cases, and other civil cases. Pro Se Law Clerks may work on cases assigned in both Court locations.

The successful candidates must be proficient in legal research and writing, able to maintain a high level of attention to detail, and capable of producing quality work in an efficient and timely manner.

Representative Duties and Responsibilities

• Assist the Court in carrying out its statutory obligations under 28 U.S.C. § 1915(e)(2) and § 1915A to screen civil complaints filed by incarcerated litigants and those with in forma pauperis status.
• Provide general support to the Court in handling the civil pro se docket, including complaints brought under 42 U.S.C. § 1983 and petitions for writs of habeas corpus.
• Maintain an active caseload independently.
• Prepare periodic reports, as required, that reflect the status and flow of cases. Identify problem areas, make recommendations, and offer solutions, as required by the Court, Administrative Office, and other officials.
• Keep abreast of changes in the law in prisoner litigation
• Provide information and guidance to the Court and other staff working on prisoner litigation.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualification Requirements

To qualify, eligible candidates must have graduated from law school and be admitted to the bar.

Preferred Qualifications/Court Preferred Skills

Eligible candidates must have graduated from an ABA-accredited law school and be admitted to the bar. Strong academic credentials, excellent research and writing skills, the ability to work independently, and superior analytical ability is required. Legal experience in one or more of the following areas will be favorably considered: constitutional, civil rights, and/or habeas corpus law. Litigation experience preferred. Applicants must be computer literate. The successful candidate must exhibit the highest standards of excellence and integrity, and display, at all times and to all persons, a courteous, professional and cooperative attitude.

Organizational Relationship

The Pro Se Law Clerks report to Matthew Yusick, Supervisory Pro Se Staff Attorney, and ultimately Chief United States District Judge Elizabeth A. Wolford.

Benefits

Click HERE 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, social media inquiry, and a favorable suitability determination.

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.