Term Law Clerk

Bar Association of Erie County; City of Rochester (NY); On-site; USD 75,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

The United States District Court for the Western District of New York is seeking a term law clerk to support Chief United States District Judge Elizabeth A. Wolford in Rochester, NY. Law clerks provide procedural and substantive legal advice to expedite disposition and completion of cases.

Responsibilities include researching, reviewing filings, drafting memoranda, and communicating with the Judge. Eligible candidates must have graduated from law school and be admitted to the bar; prior federal

Qualifications

• Graduated from law school and admitted to the bar.
• Preferred: prior federal clerkship and strong research/writing skills.
• Experience on law review or law journal is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Conduct legal research
• Review case records and analyze options
• Draft legal memoranda and proposed opinions
• Discuss legal analysis with the Judge
• Provide procedural information to litigants and counsel
• Perform case management and other duties of case administration

Skills

Legal research

Legal writing

Case analysis

Communications

Procedural info

Education

J.D. degree

Job description

UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT

WESTERN DISTRICT OF NEW YORK

Address: 100 State Street, Rochester, NY

Website: www.nywd.uscourts.gov

Position: Term Law Clerk

The lifetime limitation for term appointments allows a law clerk to serve in the Judiciary for no more than four cumulative years

Vacancy: 26-18

Duty Station: Rochester, New York

JSP Grade 11 ($75,202-$97,767)

JSP Grade 12 ($90,135-$117,177)

JSP Grade 13 ($107,182-$139,339)

Salary commensurate with experience and education

Overview

The United States District Court for the Western District of New York is seeking a term law clerk to support Chief United States District Judge Elizabeth A. Wolford.

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 options
• Draft legal memoranda and propose opinions and orders
• Discuss legal analysis with the Judge
• Provide procedural information to litigants and counsel

Perform case management and other duties associated with the administration of cases

Qualification Requirements

To qualify, eligible candidates must have graduated from law school and be admitted to the bar.

Preferred Qualifications/Court Preferred Skills

Prior federal clerkship experience, at least two years’ experience as a practicing attorney, standing within the upper quarter of law school, 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 Chief United States District Judge Elizabeth A. Wolford.

Benefits

Click HERE to learn more about the Judiciary’s benefits.

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: September 2027

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.