Pro Se Staff Attorney - Civil Rights Litigation

United States Courts; New York (NY); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid vacation

Sick leave

Federal holidays

Health coverage

Job summary

The New York Southern District Court seeks two Pro Se Staff Attorneys (one full-time, one part-time) to review pro se complaints and petitions, draft dispositive orders, and manage a busy civil rights docket. You will work inside the Office of Pro Se Litigation, prioritizing urgent matters and supporting judges and chambers.

Ideal candidates have a JD (or equivalent) and at least two years of relevant practice, with strong research and writing skills.

Qualifications

• Graduate from a law school of recognized standing.
• At least two years of post-law school relevant legal experience.
• Experience with pro se or death penalty law clerkships or similar civil rights work is acceptable.

Responsibilities

• Substantive screening of pro se complaints and petitions in sua sponte posture.
• Manage an active caseload on the Chief Judge’s sua sponte docket.
• Prioritize cases by urgency and coordinate with chambers and court personnel.
• Collaborate with the Office of Pro Se Litigation and participate in trainings and written materials.
• Potentially contribute to SDNY Pro Bono Program management and outreach.

Skills

Legal research

Legal writing

Caseload management

Team collaboration

Education

Juris Doctor (JD) or equivalent

LLM degree

Job description

The New York Southern District Court seeks two Pro Se Staff Attorneys (one full-time, one part-time) to review pro se complaints and petitions, draft dispositive orders, and manage a busy civil rights docket. You will work inside the Office of Pro Se Litigation, prioritizing urgent matters and supporting judges and chambers.

Ideal candidates have a JD (or equivalent) and at least two years of relevant practice, with strong research and writing skills.