Position: Paralegal or Judicial Assistant to Circuit Judge Michael B. Brennan when he
assumes the role of the Chief Judge of the Seventh Circuit on October 1, 2025
Salary Range: JSP 8/1 – JSP 11/10 ($57,862 to $100,517) depending upon qualifications
Closing Date: May 30, 2025
Start Date: October 6, 2025 (anticipated)
Position Overview:
Judge Brennan is seeking a paralegal or judicial assistant to provide law-related and administrative support
to the judge and law clerks, and to work cohesively with the current judicial assistant. This position reports
directly to Judge Brennan. The successful candidate is professional, organized, proficient in writing and
editing, and able to work collegially in a small office.
Representative Duties and Responsibilities:
• Perform administrative duties using computer applications to prepare documents and
correspondence. Receive, screen, and answer phone calls. Receive and assist visitors.
• Proofread legal drafts with the law clerks and the judge for completeness and accuracy. Check legal
citations for Bluebook style and for accuracy using legal research tools. Search court records,
briefs, cases and other authorities to verify facts and quotes. Copy edit drafts for proper grammar,
consistency, and style. Prepare routine procedural orders.
• Manage case flow by tracking pending cases and votes. Monitor deadlines, prioritize tasks, and
occasionally determine a need for action by the judge. Manage the judge’s schedule.
• Maintain chambers information storage and filing systems, both electronic and paper. Maintain the
recusal list, noncase-related travel report, and financial disclosure report for the judge.
• Manage receipt of law clerk applications, including through the OSCAR website; assist with
screening, coordinating interviews, and selection of candidates as requested by the judge. Provide
orientation and training to law clerks regarding the judge’s style and preferences and court
protocols.
• Serve as a liaison to other court support units on behalf of the judge. Interact professionally and
productively with other circuit judges and their chambers staff. Manage facilities and equipment
issues, facilitate supply requisition, and maintain inventory of property assigned to chambers.
• Make frequent travel arrangements and prepare travel vouchers for the judge and the law clerks.
Requires occasional travel to Chicago.
• Performs other duties as assigned.
Qualifications:
• Consummate professional, discreet, and loyal; exercises good judgment.
• Excellent vocabulary and grammar, writing ability, and complex editing skills.
United States Court of Appeals
for the Seventh Circuit
219 South Dearborn Street
Chicago, Illinois 60604
2025-8
5/1/2025
• Knowledge of legal terminology and proficiency in legal research tools and Bluebook citation style.
• Demonstrated organizational and recordkeeping ability; case-management experience.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Word and Adobe Acrobat; familiarity with PowerPoint and with
Outlook or comparable email software.
• Experience in litigation and/or appellate work, or experience as a law librarian.
Additional Required Qualifications for Paralegal Level Position:
• A bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university, or a paralegal certificate from an
accredited paralegal program.
• Two years of progressively responsible experience closely related to the work of the position that
has provided the particular knowledge, skills, and abilities to successfully perform the duties (JSP
10/1 qualification).
Additional Required Qualifications for Judicial Assistant Level Position:
• Minimum five years of progressively responsible secretarial experience with at least three of those
five years involving responsibility as the principal office assistant to a supervisor dealing with law related matters (JSP 8/1 qualification).
Conditions of Employment:
• Employees must adhere to the Code of Conduct for Judicial Employees, including termination of all
political associations and limiting social-media postings.
• Positions with the U.S. Courts are at-will, excepted service appointments and may be terminated by
the court with or without cause at any time.
Benefits:
Benefits include eleven paid holidays, paid vacation and sick leave, participation in the Federal Employees
Retirement System (FERS), Thrift Savings Plan (401k), and public transit subsidy (budget dependent).
Benefits also include optional participation in the Federal Employees Health Benefits Program (FEHB),
Federal Employees Group Life Insurance Program (FEGLI), Flexible Benefits Program, and Dental and
Vision Insurance, and an onsite gym. Information can be found on the court’s website under Human
Resources at: www.ca7.uscourts.gov.
Application:
Consideration will only be given to those individuals who apply through the court’s online applicant
tracking system and provide a resume and cover letter.
https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/uscourtsilnd/7thcircuitcoa
Due to the anticipated large response to this announcement, only those interviewed will be notified of the
selection outcome. The court reserves the right to modify the conditions of this job announcement or to
withdraw the announcement without written notice to applicants. Travel expenses for interviews cannot be
reimbursed.
Please note that this position is not covered by the Fair Chance Act and requires that applicants provide
criminal history information prior to receiving any conditional offer of employment. All information
provided by applicants is subject to verification and background investigation. Applicants are advised that
false statements or omission of information on any application materials may be grounds for non-selection,
withdrawal of an offer of employment or dismissal after being employed.
Pursuant to the Immigration and Reform Act of 1986, selection is contingent upon providing proof of being
legally eligible to work in and for the United States. Employees are required to use Electronic Fund
Transfer (EFT) for payroll deposit.
THIS OFFICE IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
