Pro Se Staff Attorney — Civil Rights Litigation

United States Courts; New York (NY); On-site; USD 90,000 - 115,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

13 days paid vacation

13 days paid sick leave

Medical coverage with pre-tax premiums

Group Life Insurance

Thrift Savings Plan (TSP)

Federal Employees Retirement System

Credit for service time in other gov't

Job summary

United States Courts seeks two Pro Se Staff Attorneys for FY 2026-2027 in the Southern District of New York. One full-time and one part-time position, with renewal options based on funding.

The role supports the Office of Pro Se Litigation, screening civil pro se complaints and petitions, and drafting orders and memoranda. You will handle a caseload independently, require excellent research and writing abilities, and work collaboratively to stay current with changes in the law and procedures

Qualifications

• Requires a law degree from a recognized school.
• Two years of post-law school relevant legal experience required.
• Strong research and writing abilities; ability to manage a caseload independently.

Responsibilities

• Screen pro se complaints and petitions; draft dispositive orders and screening memoranda.
• Manage an active caseload on the Chief Judge’s sua sponte docket; assess urgency and prioritize tasks.
• Collaborate with colleagues; participate in trainings and contribute to written materials for chambers and court personnel.
• Assist and/or lead trainings; contribute to materials for pro se litigants and the court’s pro se docket.
• Potentially participate in the SDNY Pro Bono Program as applicable.

Skills

Legal research

Legal writing

Caseload management

Teamwork

Education

Juris Doctor (JD)

LLM (advantage)

Job description

United States Courts seeks two Pro Se Staff Attorneys for FY 2026-2027 in the Southern District of New York. One full-time and one part-time position, with renewal options based on funding.

The role supports the Office of Pro Se Litigation, screening civil pro se complaints and petitions, and drafting orders and memoranda. You will handle a caseload independently, require excellent research and writing abilities, and work collaboratively to stay current with changes in the law and procedures