Duties
The clerk assists in resolving complex and sensitive issues having a significant impact on the day-to-day functioning of the court. The clerk reports directly to the Chief United States District Judge, and communicates regularly with the district and magistrate judges and clerk's office staff; the General Services Administration; other court executive units; federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies; the District's United States Attorney and Federal Defender; the Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts; the Office of the Circuit Executive for the Seventh Circuit; the Federal Judicial Center; bar associations; and the media. Occasional travel and public speaking may be required. The clerk is also responsible for:
- Directing staff responsible for the processing of civil and criminal cases, the issuance of process, and the maintenance of official records in the custody of the court;
- Assisting judges in supervising pro se staff attorneys, who are responsible for managing litigation filed by incarcerated persons;
- Overseeing the management of the jury operations of the court and making recommendations as required to improve juror utilization;
- Overseeing the preparation of an annual budget and submitting the annual budget to the chief judge for approval; managing and monitoring the budget throughout the fiscal year;
- Managing staff responsible for human resources and overseeing the hiring, assigning, managing, and disciplining of personnel; designing and managing training programs; serving as EEO officer for the court;
- Directing staff responsible for the court's financial functions, including purchasing, juror payments, and accounting;
- Directing staff responsible for space and facilities management and planning, including representing the court's interests in court renovation and construction projects;
- Managing staff responsible for information technology services, statistical analysis and reporting requirements, inventory control, space planning, and facilities maintenance;
- Supervising the preparation of special studies requested by the court and preparing statistical and narrative reports;
- Overseeing public ceremonies and educational events, such as investitures, naturalizations, and retreats; and
- Working with members of the bar, the public, and government agencies on a variety of issues related to the delivery of court services.
Requirements
Conditions of Employment
The successful candidate for this position is subject to an FBI fingerprint check and background investigation. Employment will be provisional and contingent upon the satisfactory completion of the required background investigation and will be subject to subsequent reinvestigations every five years as well as regular performance assessments and will be required to file an annual financial disclosure report. The successful candidate also will be required to adhere to The Code of Conduct for Judicial Employees, which is available upon request. Travel expenses and relocation expenses may be reimbursed in accordance with the Guide to Judiciary Policy. No private law or ADR practice is permitted concurrent with the position.
Qualifications
Minimum Qualifications:
- To be qualified for appointment as clerk of court, a candidate must have a minimum of ten years of relevant experience in public service or private sector that provides the candidate with a thorough understanding of organizational, procedural and human aspects of managing an organization. At least three of the ten years must have been in a position that required substantial management responsibility.
- The candidate should have demonstrated skill in leading, motivating and overseeing a diverse workforce.
- The candidate should have a proactive, positive approach to managing change and a creative, innovative approach to planning and problem-solving in an institutional setting.
- The active practice of law in either the public or private sector in a position that had administrative, or management responsibilities may substitute for the management experience required on a year-for-year basis.
- Minimum education is a B.A. or B.S.
- The District Clerks Manual §1.01 Statute Establishing the Office of the Clerk requires the clerk to live within the judicial district in which the clerk is employed.
Required Experience:
- The candidate must be experienced in managing multiple complex tasks with competing deadlines and must have excellent communication and interpersonal skills with a wide range of persons.
- The candidate must be fluent in the use of technology, including mastery of Microsoft Office Suite, Microsoft Teams and Zoom.
Education
Minimum education is a B.A. or B.S.
Benefits
A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
Review our benefits
Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.
How to Apply
1. To be assured consideration, please submit a cover letter (include vacancy number 25-08), resume, narrative statement (see below), and completed application form AO-78 (visit the court's website at: https://www.uscourts.gov/forms/human-resources-forms/application-judicial-branch-federal-employment). Application materials may be submitted via email to employment@wied.uscourts.gov or by mailing to the following address: Sarah Gunn, Director of HR/Training, 362 U.S. Courthouse, 517 E. Wisconsin Ave., Milwaukee, WI, 53202. Mailed applications should be marked "Confidential". Preference will be granted to applications received by July 31, 2025. Incomplete submissions may not be considered. E-mail documents must be in PDF format. Zip files and faxes will not be accepted.
2. Applicants also must submit the following narrative statement, or the application will be rejected:
- Describe (1) your abilities and work experiences that exemplify your oral and written skills, and (2) your experience managing multiple priorities and a high volume of work.
- The narrative statement should be separate from the resume and cover letter, include a concise description of demonstrated experience that is directly related to the duties and responsibilities for this position, and be no more than one page in length.
Next steps
Only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.