Pro Se Law Clerks provide legal advice and assistance to the Court in connection with prisoner petitions and complaints. The Pro Se Law Clerk works primarily on prisoner habeas corpus and civil rights actions, and cases in which a plaintiff applies for in forma pauperis (IFP) status. This appointment and continued employment are determined on a year to year basis and is subject to funding based upon the court's caseload.
Representative Duties: Performs substantive screening after filing of all prisoner and inmate petitions and motions, including state habeas corpus petitions, motions to vacate sentence, and civil rights complaints. Drafts appropriate recommendations and proposed orders for the Court's review. Reviews filed complaints, petitions, and pleadings to determine issues involved and basis for relief. Performs research, as required, to assist the Court in preparing opinions.
Maintains liaison between the Court and litigants. Evaluates present procedures to determine new innovations for increasing the effectiveness in handling pro se complaints, petitions, and pleadings. Reviews the docket of pending prisoner and inmate litigation to assure the proper progress of such cases and advises the Court of those cases where action by the Court is appropriate.
Compiles statistics and prepares periodic reports, as required, that reflect the status and flow of cases. 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 in the pro se area. Provides information, guidance, and advice to the Court and other staff working in the pro se area. Advises appropriate personnel on the status of cases.
Performs other related duties as assigned.
Education Requirements: 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 of recognized standing and have demonstrated one of the following accomplishments or proficiencies: a) Standing within the upper one-third of the class at a law school that is accredited by the American Bar Association or the Association of American Law Schools; b) Experience on the editorial board of a law review of such a school; c) Graduation from such a school with an LLM degree; or d) Proficiency in legal studies that, in the opinion of the appointing judge, is the equivalent of one of the above.
Some examples of criteria that are considered to be acceptable as equivalent include, but are not limited to: Publication of a noteworthy article in a law school student publication or other scholarly publication; Special high-level honors for academic excellence in law school, such as election to the Order of the Coif; Winning of a moot court competition or membership on a moot court team that represents the law school in competition with other law schools; Participation in the legal aid or other law school clinical program sanctioned by the law school;* or Summer experience as a law clerk to a state or local judge or law clerk experience on a continuing basis in a private firm while attending school (i.e., working one's way through college).* *To receive credit, participation and experience could not have been for academic credit).
This position is with U.S. Courts, Judicial Branch.
The posted pay range is $77211 – $169060/yr.
This position is eligible for telework.
Applications close on 2027-01-19.
There are 2 openings for this position.
This position is open under the 'Public' hiring path.
Source: USAJOBS.gov — U.S. Federal Government · Retrieved 2026-10-23 · Not affiliated with or endorsed by OPM or USAJOBS.gov
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