Temporary Law Clerk

United States Courts; Seattle, Northern (WA, KY); Hybrid; USD 70,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

United States Courts, Western District of Washington, seeks a full-time temporary law clerk in Seattle. The position is funded through March 31, 2027, with potential continuation subject to funding.

Remote work is allowed and candidates must have a JD from an accredited law school by the start date. The clerk will research civil and criminal matters, draft opinions and orders, and assist with courtroom proceedings and chambers administration.

Qualifications

• Must be a law school graduate from an accredited law school by start date.
• Demonstrated effective in-person, written, and video communication skills.
• Must be organized, efficient, productive, and independent.
• Excellent legal research and writing skills.
• Prior federal judicial clerkship experience or 2+ years private/public practice preferred.

Responsibilities

• Conduct legal research and draft opinions, orders, and memoranda.
• Assist with courtroom proceedings and day-to-day chambers operations.
• Perform general administrative duties as needed by the judge and staff.

Skills

Legal research

Legal writing

Effective communication

Organizational skills

Independent

Education

Juris Doctor (JD)

Tools

Microsoft Word

Westlaw

Lexis

Job description

Overview of the Position The U.S. District Court for the Western District of Washington is seeking qualified candidates for a full time (40 hours per week) temporary law clerk. This temporary, full-time position is funded through March 31, 2027, and may continue subject to funding. The four-year limitation on federal term law clerks does not apply to temporary positions; this position is open to former term law clerks. This position is located in Seattle, Washington and will work directly with U.S. District Judge John H. Chun and his staff under the direction of the Chief District Judge. Working remotely is allowed.The law clerk in this position will work with on civil and criminal cases filed in the District. Law clerks conduct research, draft opinions, orders, and memorandums. Law clerks also assist with courtroom proceedings, general administrative duties, and running chambers day-to-day.Candidates must be law school graduates from an accredited law school by the position start date, must demonstrate effective in-person, written, and video communication skills, be organized, efficient, productive, and independent, must possess excellent legal research and writing skills, and must be experienced with Word, Westlaw or Lexis, and related software. Prior federal judicial clerkship experience, or two or more years of private law firm or public service legal practice, is preferred.

The federal Judiciary is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer.