POSITION: Judicial Law Clerk, Temporary (available March 1, 2023, or after—start date flexible)
VACANCY NUMBER: 2023-01NJR
LOCATION: East St. Louis, Illinois
SALARY: JSP 11/1 ($70,649 annually)
DATE POSTED: January 24, 2023
CLOSING DATE: Open until filled (priority consideration given to those who apply by February 17, 2023, at 4:00 PM CT)
POSITION SUMMARY
The United States District Court for the Southern District of Illinois is seeking a full-time temporary judicial law clerk. This position is currently authorized for a six month term. The temporary judicial law clerk will provide critical support to the Chief Judge by conducting legal research and preparing legal memoranda, orders, and draft opinions. The successful candidate for this position will report to the East St. Louis courthouse and may qualify for ad hoc telework.
SUMMARY OF REPRESENTATIVE DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Review legal submissions (such as motions, petitions, supporting and opposing briefs), research and identify issues, prepare bench memoranda, and draft orders and opinions for the Chief Judge’s review. Manage docket and prioritize projects to ensure that motions are briefed prior to hearing, motions are cleared in a timely manner, motions are resolved in advance of final pretrial conference or settlement conference, and cases are ready to be called out to trial when scheduled. Perform administrative functions such as editing, proofreading, docketing in electronic case filing (CM/ECF) system, telephone communications, written correspondence, and scheduling. Keep abreast of changes in the law.
QUALIFICATION STANDARDS
Applicant must be a law school graduate (or be certified as having completed all law school studies and requirements and merely awaiting conferment of degree) from a law school approved by either the American Bar Association or the Association of American Law Schools and have demonstrated one of the following accomplishments or proficiencies:
- Standing within the upper third of the law school class;
- Experience on the editorial board of a law review of such a school;
- Graduation from such a school with an LLM degree; or
- Proficiency in legal studies that, in the opinion of the appointing judge, is the equivalent of one of the above.
COURT PREFERRED SKILLS
Prior experience in the federal judicial system, especially as a law clerk. Experience with electronic case filing systems, such as CM/ECF. Proficiency in Westlaw and/or Lexis. Excellent academic credentials. Superior research and writing skills. Strong organizational skills. Ability to prioritize tasks and juggle competing demands. Exceptional ability to communicate, articulate, and relate to coworkers and others with professionalism and integrity. Self motivated, able to manage multiple tasks and meet competing deadlines. Applicant must possess proficient typing and personal computer skills. Desirable qualifications include: detail-oriented, reliable, excellent oral and written communication skills, superb analytical skills, understanding of court processes, familiarity with the Federal Rules of Civil and Criminal Procedure, ability to work as part of a team, and an aptitude for working well under pressure.
BENEFITS
Judiciary employees serve under excepted appointments (not civil service). Excepted appointments are at will and can be terminated with or without cause. Judicial chambers law clerks are covered by the Judiciary Salary Plan. This temporary position is eligible for health insurance benefits. This position is subject to mandatory electronic fund transfer (direct deposit) participation for payment of net pay.
BACKGROUND INVESTIGATION REQUIREMENTS
As a condition of employment, the selectee considered for this position is required to undergo an FBI background check. The selectee may be appointed provisionally, and retention will depend upon a favorable suitability determination of the background check.
PROCEDURES FOR APPLYING
Application packets should include the following:
- A letter of interest;
- Résumé;
- AO 78 (Revised 12/2021) Application for Judicial Branch Federal Employment (located on the court’s website at www.ilsd.uscourts.gov);
- Names, addresses, and telephone numbers of three professional references; and
- One writing sample (not edited by others) limited to no more than 10 pages.
Applicants can apply via OSCAR (Online System for Clerkship Application and Review) or via email by sending application packet as one PDF document to Recruitment1@ilsd.uscourts.gov. The subject line should state “Temporary Law Clerk Application 2023-01.” Receipt will be acknowledged for emailed application packets by the Human Resources Department by return email. If you do not receive email confirmation within three business days, please contact the Human Resources Administrator at (618) 482-9425. Incomplete application materials will not be considered. Application packets may be reviewed and considered upon receipt, and interviews may be conducted prior to the closing date of this announcement.
Applicants must be United States citizens or eligible to work in the United States. Selection will be made consistent with the provisions of the Equal Opportunity Plan adopted by the United States District Court for the Southern District of Illinois. Applicants selected for interviews must travel at their own expense, and relocation expenses will not be reimbursed. Video-conference interviews may be requested.
The Court reserves the right to modify the conditions of this job announcement or to withdraw the announcement, any of which may occur without prior written or other notice. If a similar position within the District Court opens within 60 days of the closing date of this announcement, applicants under this announcement will be considered without further advertisement and competition. Employees are required to adhere to a Code of Ethics and Conduct, which is available to applicants for review upon request.
Court’s Mission
Our mission is to resolve judicial matters fairly and justly in a manner that will uphold and defend the Constitution of the United States. We are committed to doing so through communication and education in order to ensure respect for the Court. We work to resolve disputes in a timely and efficient manner to promote the public’s confidence and trust in the Judiciary of the United States and to protect individual rights and liberties through law.
Clerk’s Office’s Mission
The mission of the Clerk’s Office is to provide administrative and case management support to the district court, members of the bar, the public, and all government agencies in a professional, timely, and efficient manner. Through teamwork, we perform our duties with courtesy, respect, equality, and fairness, thereby promoting public trust and confidence in the judicial system. Success is linked to commitment, and we are committed to excellence.
THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT FOR THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT OF ILLINOIS IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
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