Summary
The Death Penalty Law Clerk provides legal advice and assistance to the District Judges in connection with state and federal prisoner habeas cases filed under 28 U.S.C. § 2254 and 28 U.S.C. § 2255. The Death Penalty Law Clerk monitors the filings in such cases from initial opening through final disposition, drafting all related orders and opinions for the Court's approval.
This job is open to
Clarification from the agency
This announcement is open until filled.
Duties
- Performs substantive screening and review of all habeas corpus cases filed by the state and federal inmates. Performs legal research and analysis. Drafts appropriate orders and opinions for the Court's signature.
- Monitors all § 2254 and § 2255 dockets to assure the timely progress of cases. Reviews case filings and trial court records.
- Keeps abreast of developments in applicable habeas law.
- Provides information and guidance to judge and court staff on legal issues unique to habeas law.
- Compiles statistics and prepares periodic reports to reflect the status of cases.
- Performs other duties as assigned.
Requirements
Conditions of Employment
The Death Penalty Law Clerk is a sensitive position. The selected candidate will be subject to an FBI fingerprint check as a condition of employment, and may be subject to periodic updates.
Qualifications
Qualifications
To qualify for the position of Death Penalty Law Clerk, an individual must be a law school graduate from a law school of recognized standing, and have demonstrated one or more of the following accomplishments or proficiencies:
- Standing within the upper third of the law school class from a law school on the approved list of either the American Bar Association or the Association of American Law Schools;
- Experience on the editorial board of a law review of such a school;
- Graduation from such a school with an LLM degree; or
- Demonstrated proficiency in legal studies which in the opinion of the judge is the equivalent of one of the above.
Legal Work Experience
Legal work experience is progressively responsible experience in the practice of law, in legal research, legal administration, or equivalent experience received after graduation from law school. The applicant must have a minimum of two years of post-graduate legal work experience.
Preferred Qualifications
- At least one year's experience as either a court law clerk or a law clerk to a judge.
- Experience in an environment where multitasking, establishing priorities, and working independently were required.
- Outstanding legal research/writing skills. Ability to communicate clearly, concisely, and informatively, both orally and in writing.
- Working knowledge of federal habeas corpus law.
- Proficient in the use of LEXIS and WESTLAW.
- Proficient in internet research.
- Ability to work with strict deadlines and in a fast-paced environment.
Salary
To qualify for a JSP 13, applicant must have two years of legal work experience and bar membership. To qualify for JSP 14, applicant must have three years of legal work experience and bar membership.
Education
Please read the "Qualifications" section.
How You Will Be Evaluated
You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.
JSP qualification standards are also used to determine salary.
Required Documents
- Cover letter.
- Resume.
- Law School Transcript.
- AO-78 Application for Judicial Employment (available at https://www.uscourts.gov/).
- The names and contact information for three business references.
- Legal Writing Sample.
If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:
Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from
schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.
How to Apply
Please email: humanresources@ded.uscourts.gov
Next steps
Due to the volume of the applications received, the court will only communicate with those individuals selected for an interview.
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