Position: Part-time Pro Se Law Clerk
Vacancy Number: 20-03
Location: Madison
Salary: JSP 11-14 ($64,009-$140,146), depending on qualifications
Date Posted: February 5, 2020
Closing Date: Applications received by February 28, 2020 will receive first consideration. Opportunity will be considered open until position is filled.
Position Summary
The part-time Pro Se Law Clerk provides legal advice and assistance to the court in connection with pro se prisoner and non-prisoner complaints and petitions.
Summary of Representative Duties and Responsibilities
• Performs substantive screening of all pro se prisoner complaints and petitions, consisting primarily of state habeas corpus petitions, motions to vacate sentence and civil rights complaints.
• Performs substantive screening of other pro se litigation filed by non-prisoners.
• Reviews all complaints, petitions and pleadings that have been filed to determine issues involved and basis for relief.
• Performs research to assist the court in preparing opinions. Drafts appropriate recommendations and orders for the court’s signature.
• Keeps abreast of changes in the law to aid the court in adjusting to new caselaw or legislation in the pro se area.
• 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 non-prisoner pro se litigation to ensure the proper progress of such cases and advises the court adjusting to new caselaw or legislation in the pro se area.
• Provides general information, guidance and advice to judges, chambers staff and other personnel working in the pro se area. Performs other duties as assigned.
Qualifications
Law school graduate with standing within top quarter of law school class (law review experience preferred, but not necessary). Computer proficiency in Windows applications, word processing and Westlaw or Lexis/Nexis. Applicant must have the ability to analyze complex legal issues and understand a wide range of legal concepts, principles, and practices as they relate to pro se litigation; write and perform legal research accurately and expeditiously; communicate complex issues in simple terms; set priorities; and manage work with limited supervision. Applicant must be both a self-starter and detail oriented, possess excellent interpersonal skills, have strong organizational skills, and a positive attitude.
Preferred Qualifications
Working knowledge of criminal law and constitutional law, previous state or federal clerkship and/or other post-law school experience strongly preferred.
Benefits
Federal benefits include paid vacation and sick leave, paid holidays, and retirement benefits. Optional benefits include health and life insurance, long-term care insurance, dental and vision insurance, and a tax-deferred savings plan. This position is subject to mandatory electronic fund transfer (direct deposit) participation or payment of net pay. Credit is given for prior federal government service. As a part-time employee some of these benefits are pro-rated.
Background Investigation Requirements
As a condition of employment, the selectee considered for this position is required to undergo an FBI check and/or investigation. The selectee may be appointed provisionally, and retention will depend upon a favorable suitability determination of the background check or investigation.
Notice to Applicants
Judiciary employees serve under excepted appointments (not civil service). Excepted appointments are at will and can be terminated with or without cause.
The Court requires employees to adhere to the Code of Conduct of Judicial Employees which is available at
www.uscourts.gov/rules-policies/judiciary-policies/code-conduct/code-conduct-judicial-employees. Direct deposit is required for employee salary compensation. Applicants must be United States citizens or eligible to work in the United States.
Procedures for Applying
Preference given to interested qualified candidates who apply via OSCAR (
oscar.uscourts.gov). If this is not possible, please submit a cover letter, resumé, list of three professional references, an AO78 and a writing sample using the link below.
opportunities.ilnb.uscourts.gov/Employment/appform.cfm?ref=cr92kf7g&pos=20-03
The United States District Court reserves the right to amend the conditions of this job vacancy announcement, or to withdraw the announcement at any time without prior written or other notice.
The United States District Court is an Equal Opportunity Employer
