Requirements
Conditions of employment
- Applicants must be U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents seeking U.S. citizenship.
- This position is classified as a sensitive position which requires the selected candidate to submit to a background investigation which will include a criminal history, credit and FBI fingerprint check as a condition of employment with periodic updates. The selected candidate will be hired provisionally pending the successful completion of the required background check and favorable employment suitability determination.
- Employees must adhere to a Code of Conduct (https://www.uscourts.gov/administration-policies/judiciary-policies/ethics-policies/code-conduct-judicial-employees).
Qualifications
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
- A background in immigration related writs of habeas corpus
- Excellent research, writing, and analytical skills
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- Ability to prioritize work
- Ability to work both collaboratively and independently, as well as efficiently and effectively, in a high-volume environment
- High ethical standards and a positive work attitude
Legal work experience that will be considered in determining salary is defined as progressively responsible experience in the practice of law, in legal research, legal administration, or equivalent experience received after graduation from law school. Major or substantial legal activities while in military service may be credited, on a month-for-month basis whether before or after graduation, but not to exceed one year if before graduation.
The table below shows the number of years of legal work experience required to qualify for appointment as a pro se law clerk at the applicable JSP grade levels. Please note that appointment to JSP-12 or above requires that the candidate be a member of the bar of a state, territory, or federal court of general jurisdiction.
| JSP Grade Level |
Years of Legal Work Experience |
Bar Membership Required |
Pittsburgh/Johnstown
Salary Table |
Erie Salary Table |
| 11 |
0 |
No |
$77,211 - $91,352 |
$74,678 - $97,087 |
| 12 |
1 |
Yes |
$92,543 - $120,309 |
$89,508 - $116,362 |
| 13 |
2 |
Yes |
$110,047 - $143,062 |
$106,437 - $138,370 |
| 14 |
3 |
Yes |
$130,042 - 169,060 |
$123,776 - $163,514 |
Education
Must be a law school graduate (or be certified as having completed all law school studies and requirements and merely awaiting conferment of degree) from a law school of recognized standing and have demonstrated one of the following accomplishments or proficiencies:
a) Standing within the upper one-third of the class at a law school that is accredited by the American Bar Association or the Association of American Law Schools;
b) Experience on the editorial board of a law review of such a school;
c) Graduation from such a school with an LLM degree; or
d) Proficiency in legal studies that, in the opinion of the appointing judge, is the equivalent of one of the above. Some examples of criteria that are considered to be acceptable as equivalent include, but are not limited to:
- Publication of a noteworthy article in a law school student publication or other scholarly publication;
- Special high-level honors for academic excellence in law school, such as election to the Order of the Coif;
- Winning of a moot court competition or membership on a moot court team that represents the law school in competition with other law schools;
- Participation in the legal aid or other law school clinical program sanctioned by the law school;* or
- Summer experience as a law clerk to a state or local judge or law clerk experience on a continuing basis in a private firm while attending school (i.e., working one's way through college).*
*To receive credit, participation and experience could not have been for academic credit).
Additional information
- The Court provides reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities.
- Veterans' preference is not a factor used in Judicial Branch appointments.
- Positions with the U.S. Courts are excepted service appointments, which are "at will" and may be terminated with or without cause.
- Employees are required to use electronic funds transfer for payroll deposit.
- The court reserves the right to modify the conditions of this job announcement, to withdraw the job announcement, and/or to commence interviews immediately, any of which may occur without prior written or other notice.
- In the event a position becomes vacant in a similar classification within a reasonable time from the original announcement, the Court may select an appointee from the candidates who responded to the initial announcement without posting the vacancy.
- Telework/Remote Opportunities: The applicant selected for the position may work in person and is eligible for telework as outlined in the Court's Telework Policy. Additionally, applicants applying who wish to work as a full-time remote worker also may apply.
- Click here to view a brief video about legal professionals working in the Courts.
The United States District Court, Western District of Pennsylvania, is an Equal Opportunity Employer and values diversity in the workplace.Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.
Employees are eligible for a full range of benefits to include retirement, health and life insurance, flexible benefits, long-term care insurance, paid holidays, and annual and sick leave accrual. Click here for additional information. The Court offers Public Transit Subsidy in accordance with local policy and dependent upon availability of funding.
How you will be evaluated
You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.
We will review your resume and supporting documents to ensure you meet the basic qualification requirements. We will evaluate each applicant who meets the basic qualifications on the information provided and evaluate your relevant professional, educational, and work experiences as it relates to fundamental competencies, identified in the Qualifications section above, required for this position.
Required Documents
- Cover Letter
- Resume
- Completed Application for Judicial Branch Federal Employment, AO78, which can be downloaded when applying or Click here.
See 'How to Apply' for instructions.
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.