Duties
The Research Division undertakes empirical research related to the operation of the federal courts, often at the request of the Judicial Conference of the United States and its committees, specific courts, or other groups in the federal court system.
The primary duties and responsibilities of the law student research assistant are to provide support to Research Division project teams in the design and conduct of social science and legal research aimed at discovering innovative or improved approaches to the judicial administration in federal appellate, district, and bankruptcy courts.
Specific duties and responsibilities, generally exercised under the guidance of a Research Associate or Senior Research Associate, may include support with:
- Conducting legal research and literature reviews;
- Reviewing and summarizing court policies and procedures;
- Cite-checking documents;
- Developing research instruments such as interview protocols, questionnaires, and coding protocols;
- Organizing and coding court-related data;
- Creating tables and graphs to present research findings; and
- Writing reports of research findings.
The Federal Judicial Center offers a range of telework and flexible work schedule options based on the employee's position categorization.
The Law Student Research Assistant position is a remote-eligible position and will not require relocation.
Requirements
Conditions of Employment
Key Requirements:
All requirements must be met for full consideration.
The Federal Judicial Center is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to achieving a diverse workforce and an inclusive work culture. It strives to maintain a professional and collegial workplace in which everyone is valued and treated fairly and respectfully.
Qualifications
- Currently enrolled and seeking a law degree at an accredited educational institution, on a full-time basis;
- Strong legal research, analytical, and writing skills; and
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills, including the ability to work collaboratively.
Summer law student research assistants are asked to commit to at least eight weeks of employment for 30 to 39 hours per week.
Spring and fall semester law student research assistants are asked to commit to 12 to 15 hours per week.
Law student research assistants are limited to working a maximum of 39 hours per week.
Education
Currently enrolled and seeking a law degree at an accredited educational institution, on a full-time basis.
Benefits
This position is part time. Benefits are not applicable for this position.
How to Apply
APPLICATION PROCEDURES:
The Federal Judicial Center recruits law student research assistants for the Fall, Spring and Summer semesters.
Fall Semester dates: September - December. Fall Semester application deadline: July 6
Spring Semester dates: January - April. Spring Semester application deadline: September 28
Summer Semester dates: May - August. Summer Semester application deadline: March 1
Applications are accepted on a rolling basis, and should include the following materials:
- Cover letter explaining how you meet the qualifications stated above, and indicating whether you are applying for Summer, Fall, and/or Spring;
- Unofficial transcript (or proof of enrollment if you are a first semester student);
- Resume; and
- The name and contact information of at least one reference.
Please email all application materials to
ResearchHiring@fjc.gov. You may also direct any questions about the position to this address.
Next steps
You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.