Remote Temporary Pro Se Law Clerk and Research Attorney

U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas; Corpus Christi (TX); Remote; USD 75,000 - 164,000; Full time

Job summary

The U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas in Corpus Christi is seeking a Temp. Pro Se Law Clerk/Staff Attorney to support multiple judges with prisoner petitions and related matters.

The appointment is expected to last at least until September 30, 2028, with possible renewal based on funding. The role requires strong legal research, writing and analytical abilities and offers potential telework for the right candidate, with a pay range of $75,042 to $164,310, depending on

Qualifications

• Must have excellent legal research, analytical and writing skills along with interpersonal skills well matched for working closely with U.S. District Judges and court personnel.
• Previous clerkship experience, or work as a pro se or death penalty law clerk, is preferred.
• To qualify for the position of Pro Se Law Clerk, the applicant must be a law school graduate (or be certified as having completed all law school studies and requirements and merely awaiting conferment of degree) from a law school of recognized standing, and have one or more of the following attributes: Standing within the upper third of the law school class, Experience on the editorial board of a law review, Graduation with an LLM degree, or demonstrated proficiency in legal studies.
• To qualify for JSP 12, JSP 13 and JSP 14 you must be admitted to the bar and have the following number of years of legal experience: one year for JSP 12; two years for JSP 13; and three years for JSP 14.

Responsibilities

• Performs substantive screening after filing of prisoner and inmate petitions and motions, including state habeas corpus petitions, immigration habeas petitions, motions to vacate sentence, and civil rights complaints.
• Drafts appropriate recommendations and orders for the Court’s signature.
• Reviews all complaints, petitions, and pleadings that have been filed to determine issues involved and basis for relief.
• Performs research, as required, to assist the Court in preparing comprehensive opinions.
• Maintains liaison between the Court and litigants. Corresponds with other officials, such as U.S. Attorney and State Attorney General’s Office, as required.
• Evaluates present procedures to determine new innovations for increasing the effectiveness in handling complaints, petitions, and pleadings.
• Reviews the docket of pending prisoner and inmate litigation to assure the proper progress of such cases and advises the Court of those cases where action by the Court is appropriate.
• Compiles statistics and prepares periodic reports, as required, that reflect the status and flow of cases.
• Identifies problem areas, makes recommendations, and offers solutions, as required by the Court, Administrative Office, and other officials.
• Keeps abreast of changes in the law to aid the Court in adjusting to new legislation and case law in the pro se area.
• Provides information, guidance, and advice to judges, magistrates, and other personnel working in the pro se area. Advises appropriate personnel on the status of particular cases.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Job description

The U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas in Corpus Christi is seeking a Temp. Pro Se Law Clerk/Staff Attorney to support multiple judges with prisoner petitions and related matters.

The appointment is expected to last at least until September 30, 2028, with possible renewal based on funding. The role requires strong legal research, writing and analytical abilities and offers potential telework for the right candidate, with a pay range of $75,042 to $164,310, depending on