Temporary Emergency Law Clerk

Monroe County Bar Association; Buffalo, Northern (NY, KY); Hybrid; USD 70,000 - 86,000; Full time

Job summary

The United States District Court for the Western District of New York seeks a Temporary Emergency Law Clerk to support the court in resolving Social Security cases. The Clerk provides procedural and substantive legal advice, reviews and analyzes matters, and assists the court in expediting decisions.

Duties include researching, drafting memoranda, and discussing analysis with assigned judges. Qualifications require a law school degree, with preferred candidates positioned in the upper quartile,

Qualifications

• Must have graduated from law school.

Responsibilities

• Conduct legal research.
• Review case records and filings, and analyze legal issues.
• Draft legal memoranda and propose opinions and orders.
• Discuss legal analysis with assigned Judge.

Skills

Legal research

Legal writing

Analytical ability

Law review/editorial board

Education

Juris Doctor (JD)

Job description

Job Details - Temporary Emergency Law Clerk

Employer: United States District Court Western District of New York

Location: Buffalo, New York

Job Type: Full-Time

Duty Station: Buffalo, New York

Vacancy: 26-10

Salary: Grade 11, step 01 ($78,091)

Preferred remote: The option to work remotely within the Western District of New York may be considered.

Overview

The United States District Court for the Western District of New York is seeking a Temporary Emergency Law Clerk to support the Court in resolving Social Security cases. Law clerks provide the Court with procedural and substantive legal advice regarding the disposition and efficient completion of cases. They review, summarize, research, and analyze matters before the Court. Their research and recommendations assist the Court in resolving legal arguments presented and in deciding cases expeditiously.

Representative Duties

• Conduct legal research
• Review case records and filings, and analyze legal issues
• Draft legal memoranda and propose opinions and orders
• Discuss legal analysis with assigned Judge

Qualification Requirements

To qualify, eligible candidates must have graduated from law school.

Preferred Qualifications/Court Preferred Skills

Prior experience, standing within the upper quarter of law school class, superior analytical ability and strong legal research and writing skills, and experience on the editorial board of a law review or law journal preferred.

Organizational Relationship

This position reports directly to United States District Judges Lawrence J. Vilardo and John L. Sinatra, Jr.

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 and a favorable suitability determination.

Important Dates

Position Available: 10/01/2026, subject to funding availability Application Deadline: Until Filled

District Overview

The District's jurisdiction encompasses the 17 most western counties of Upstate New York, with courthouses located in Buffalo and Rochester. The District is comprised of seven United States District Judges, seven United States Magistrate Judges, and approximately 100 employees.

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.