Summary
The Pro Se Staff Attorney provides legal advice and assistance to the District Judges in connection with non-habeas corpus civil cases involving pro se litigants, the majority of which allege civil rights violations. The Pro Se Staff Attorney monitors the filings in such cases and drafts appropriate opinions and orders.
This job is open to
Clarification from the agency
This announcement will be open until filled.
Duties
- Performs substantive screening of all non-habeas corpus civil cases filed by unrepresented inmates and detainees and initial screening of non-prisoner pro se litigation. Drafts appropriate orders for the Court's signature.
- Monitors all civil cases (not including section 2254 and 2255 habeas corpus motions) involving pro se litigants to make sure the cases are properly progressing. Advises the Court when action needs to be taken and prepares orders and opinions responsive to the needs of the case.
- Performs research, as required, to assist the Court in preparing opinions.
- Compiles statistics and prepares periodic reports, as required, that reflect the status and flow of cases. Identifies problem areas, makes recommendations, and offers solutions, as required by the Court, Administrative Office, and other officials.
- Keeps abreast of changes in the law to aid the Court in adjusting to new legislation in the pro se area.
- Provides assistance to Clerk of Court staff when necessary.
- Performs other duties as assigned.
Requirements
Conditions of Employment
The Pro Se Staff Attorney 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
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
To qualify for the position of Pro Se Staff Attorney, 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.
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 used to determine salary. Please read the "Next steps" section for more information.
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
Submit the completed application package electronically in PDF format to humanresources@ded.uscourts.gov. The required items must be consolidated into one document in the order listed below. Please list the vacancy announcement and position title in the subject line (24-13 Pro Se Staff Attorney).
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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