Remote Pro Se Law Clerk – Civil Rights & Habeas

Nacba; Buffalo (NY); Hybrid; 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

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.