Law Student - Government in West Palm Beach, FL

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Government

West Palm Beach, FL

Law Student - Government in West Palm Beach, FL

Law Student

No

Organization: US District Court
Position: Pro Se Law Clerk
Experience: Law school graduate with experience in legal research and writing
Location: Miami or West Palm Beach, Florida
Salary: JSP Grade 11 - 13
Job Type: Full-time, temporary (1 year with possibility of extension)
Department: Assigned to one or more United States District Judges

Pro Se Law Clerk – Provide legal advice and assistance to the Court in connection with pro se prisoner petitions and complaints.
- Perform substantive screening of all pro se prisoner and inmate petitions and motions, including state habeas corpus petitions, motions to vacate sentence, and civil rights complaints.
- Draft appropriate recommendations and orders for the Court's signature.
- Review all complaints, petitions, and pleadings to determine issues and basis for relief.
- Conduct research as needed to assist the Court in preparing opinions.
- Maintain liaison between the Court and litigants.
- Correspond with other officials, such as . Attorney, as required.
- Evaluate procedures to identify opportunities for increasing efficiencies in handling complaints, petitions, and pleadings.
- Review the docket of pending prisoner and inmate litigation to ensure proper progress and advise the Court on appropriate actions.
- Compile statistics and prepare reports on case status and flow.
- Identify problem areas, make recommendations, and offer solutions as required.
- Keep up-to-date on changes in the law related to pro se prisoner cases.
- Provide information, guidance, and advice to district and magistrate judges, as well as other personnel working in the pro se area.
- Perform other duties as assigned.

Important Dates:
- Opening: March 18, 2025
- Closing: Open Until Filled
- Desired Start Date: May 2025

Organization Overview:
- 18 authorized United States District Judges
- Comprised of United States District Judges, Senior United States District Judges, and United States Magistrate Judges
- Spans nine counties in Southern Florida, including Monroe County and Indian River County
- Clerk's Office is headquartered in downtown Miami with four divisional courthouses

Appointing Authority and Reporting Relationship:
- Appointing authority is the Chief . District Judge
- Reports to and works under the direction of assigned District Judge(s)

Court Preferred Skills:
- Previous federal clerkship experience and/or prior litigation experience preferred
- Experience in planning and organizing work, establishing priorities, and working independently
- Understanding of federal habeas corpus law and proficiency in LEXIS and WESTLAW
- Outstanding legal research and writing skills
- Ability to communicate clearly, concisely, and informatively, both orally and in writing
- Experience reviewing documents and extracting data
- Proficient computer skills, including internet research and word processing

Qualifications/Requirements:
- Law school graduate or certified as having completed all law school studies and requirements
- Standing within the upper third of law school class from an ABA or AALS approved law school
- Experience on the editorial board of a law review or graduation with an LLM degree
- Demonstrated proficiency in legal studies
- Progressively responsible experience in legal research, legal administration, or equivalent experience gained after law school graduation
- Major or substantial legal activities while in military service may be credited
- Must be a . citizen or eligible to work in the .

Starting Salary:
- Pay rate offered subject to Chief Judge's approval
- Maximum pay rate for Pro Se Law Clerk is JSP Grade 14
- JSP Grade 14 pay rate can be achieved with positive performance reviews and reliable time and attendance habits

How to Apply:
- Submit completed application package electronically in PDF format
- Consolidate required items into one document in the specified order
- Do not copy/paste documents into email
- Annotate Announcement Number on subject line
- Send email to specified address

Application Requirements:
- Cover letter mentioning preference for working in-person in Miami or West Palm Beach, Florida
- Detailed resume with exact dates of employment and salary history
- AO78 Application for Judicial Employment
- Copies of final law school transcripts and Bar Membership, if applicable
- Legal Writing Sample
- AO78 Application for Judicial Branch Employment available on Court's website

Possible Starting Salary:
- JSP Grade 11 - $78,745
- JSP Grade 12 - $94,383
- JSP Grade 13 - $112,234

Background Investigation and Fair Chance to Compete Act:
- Selected candidate subject to criminal history background check and technical fingerprint check
- Employment considered provisional until background check completed

Benefits:
- Excepted Appointments and considered At-Will judicial employees
- Federal Government Civil Service classifications and regulations do not apply
- Electronic direct deposit of salary payments mandatory
- Eligible for a range of benefits, including paid national holidays, health and life insurance, long-term care insurance, dental and vision insurance, and Flexible Benefits Program
- Some employees may also receive retirement benefits through Thrift Savings Plan
- Zero tolerance for illegal drug use

The United States District Court is an equal opportunity employer.

Jun 18, 2025
Mar 21, 2025
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