Pro Se Law Clerk

Full-time

No

Pro Se Law Clerk
Duties: Performs substantive screening before and after the filing of all prisoner petitions and complaints, including state and federal habeas corpus petitions and civil rights complaints. Reviews all complaints, petitions, and pleadings that have been filed to identify issues involved and basis for relief. Performs substantive screening of other pro se litigation. Drafts appropriate recommendations and dispositive orders for the court’s signature. Conducts research to assist the court in preparing opinions. Maintains liaison between the court and litigants. Reviews the docket of pending prisoner litigation to assure the timely progression of such cases in order to meet all deadlines and advises the court of those cases where action by the court is appropriate. Prepares non-dispositive orders. Assists the court with hearings, conferences, trials and other proceedings. Compiles statistics and prepares periodic reports, as required, which reflect the status and flow of cases. Evaluates present procedures to determine new innovations for increasing the effectiveness of handling complaints, petitions, and pleadings. 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 in the pro se area. Performs other duties as assigned.

Job Number: 19-06. Send a cover letter, resume, a brief writing sample, copy of law school transcript, 3 employment references, and, Form AO 78, Application for Judicial Branch Federal Employment.

Qualification and Experience Qualifications: A law school graduate (or certified as having completed all law school studies and requirements and merely awaiting conferment of degree). Must have excellent academic credentials, as well as superior research, writing, proofreading, organization, and communication skills. The applicant must possess proficient typing and personal computer skills and be competent in WordPerfect, Microsoft Word, Adobe Acrobat, and additional Windows-based applications. Desirable: detail oriented, reliable, ability to work independently and with others. A judicial employee must maintain a professional appearance and demeanor at all times. Preferences: Bar membership is preferred. Prior federal court experience, including prisoner civil-rights cases, prison condition cases, federal and state habeas corpus petitions, and motions to vacate is preferred. Prior experience as a pro se or death penalty law clerk is preferred.

Legal