Law Student - Government in West Palm Beach, FL

Government

West Palm Beach, FL

Law Student - Government in West Palm Beach, FL

Law Student

Max 2 yrs required

No

Job Title: Pro Se Law Clerk

Job Responsibilities:
The Pro Se Law Clerk is responsible for providing legal advice and assistance to the Court in relation to pro se prisoner petitions and complaints. Key duties include:

- Performing substantive screening after the filing of all pro se prisoner and inmate petitions and motions, such as state habeas corpus petitions, motions to vacate sentences, and civil rights complaints.
- Drafting appropriate recommendations and orders for the Court's signature.
- Reviewing all complaints, petitions, and pleadings to determine the issues involved and the basis for relief.
- Conducting research to assist the Court in preparing opinions.
- Maintaining liaison between the Court and litigants.
- Corresponding with other officials, such as the . Attorney, as required.
- Evaluating present procedures to determine new innovations for increasing efficiencies in handling complaints, petitions, and pleadings.
- Reviewing the docket of pending prisoner and inmate litigation to ensure proper case progress and advising the Court on cases where action is appropriate.
- Compiling statistics and preparing periodic reports reflecting the status and flow of cases.
- Identifying problem areas, making recommendations, and offering solutions as required by the Court, Administrative Office, and other officials.
- Keeping abreast of changes in the law to aid the Court in adjusting to new legislation in the pro se prisoner area.
- Providing information, guidance, and advice to district judges, magistrate judges, and other personnel working in the pro se area.
- Advising appropriate personnel on the status of cases.
- Performing other duties as assigned.

Education and Experience Information:
To qualify for the position of Pro Se Law Clerk, applicants must be law school graduates or certified as having completed all law school studies and requirements, awaiting conferment of degree, from a law school of recognized standing. Additional qualifications include one or more of the following:

- Standing within the upper third of the law school class from a law school on the approved list of either the American Bar Association or the Association of American Law Schools.
- Experience on the editorial board of a law review of such a school.
- Graduation from such a school with an LLM degree.
- Demonstrated proficiency in legal studies which in the opinion of the judge is the equivalent of one of the above.

Legal Work Experience:
Applicants must have progressively responsible experience in the practice of law, legal research, legal administration, or equivalent experience received after graduation from law school. Major or substantial legal activities while in military service may be credited on a month-for-month basis, whether before or after graduation, but not to exceed one year if before graduation from law school.

Court Preferred Skills:
- Previous federal clerkship experience and/or prior litigation experience in the private or public sector gained after law school graduation is preferred.
- Experience in planning and organizing work, establishing priorities, and working independently.
- An understanding of federal habeas corpus law and proficiency in the use of LEXIS and WESTLAW.
- Outstanding legal research and writing skills with the ability to communicate clearly, concisely, and informatively, both orally and in writing.
- Proficient computer skills, internet research, and word processing skills.

Salary Information:
The salary for the Pro Se Law Clerk position ranges from $78,745 to $112,234, depending on the appointed JSP Grade and years of legal work experience after law school graduation. The starting salary is subject to the Chief Judge’s approval. The maximum pay rate for the Pro Se Law Clerk is JSP Grade 14, which can be achieved with a pattern of positive performance reviews. The salary structure is as follows:

- JSP Grade 11: $78,745 for those with 0 years of legal work experience after law school graduation and no bar membership required.
- JSP Grade 12: $94,383 for those with 1 full-time year of legal work experience and bar membership required.
- JSP Grade 13: $112,234 for those with 2 full-time years of legal work experience and bar membership required.

Additional Information:
This is a full-time temporary position with an expected length of service of one year, with the possibility of extension. There is a cumulative four-year limit on the amount of temporary service that may be served in any single position with the . Courts, including prior service as a temporary Pro Se Law Clerk. The selected candidate will be subject to a criminal history background check and a technical fingerprint check as a condition of employment. Employment is considered provisional until the background check is completed.

Benefits include eligibility for a range of benefits such as paid national holidays, participation in health and life insurance, long-term care insurance, dental and vision insurance, and a Flexible Benefits Program. Some employees may also receive retirement benefits, including the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP), a 401(k) equivalent program with matching contributions. Employees of the United States District Court are considered At-Will judicial employees and are subject to electronic direct deposit of salary payments.

The Federal Court practices zero tolerance for illegal drug use, and applicants must be United States Citizens or eligible to work in the United States.