Summary

The U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia is seeking qualified applicants for a full-time Term Law Clerk to United States District Judge Elizabeth W. Hanes. The Court will consider applications for either a nine-month term (beginning in January 2026 and ending in August/September 2026) or a longer term (beginning in January 2026 and ending in August/September 2027). The applicant's cover letter should specify the date upon which they can begin work and their preference.

This job is open to

The public

U.S. Citizens, Nationals or those who owe allegiance to the U.S.

Duties

The U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia is seeking qualified applicants for a full-time Term Law Clerk to United States District Judge Elizabeth W. Hanes. This position requires legal research and writing assistance, preparing bench memos, drafting orders and opinions, communicating with counsel and other court personnel regarding case management and procedural requirements, and assisting the Judge during courtroom proceedings.

Requirements

Conditions of employment

Employees must be United States citizens or eligible to work in the United States.
Employees are required to adhere to the Code of Conduct for Judicial Employees, which is available to applicants to review upon request.
Employees of the United States District Court are Excepted Service Appointments. Excepted service appointments are "at will" and can be terminated with or without cause by the Court.
Employees will be hired provisionally pending the results of a background investigation.
Employees are required to use the Electronic Fund Transfer (EFT) for payroll deposit.
The Court reserves the right to modify the conditions of this job announcement, to withdraw the job announcement, or to fill the position sooner than the closing date, if a closing date is shown; any of these actions may occur without any prior written or other type of notice.

Qualifications

The Temporary Law Clerk manages a large docket of civil and criminal cases and has primary responsibilities regarding the drafting and finalizing of opinions and orders. This fast-paced "Rocket Docket" District demands excellent writing and analytical skills. The successful applicant must meet multiple deadlines in a timely and organized fashion and must be able to produce written materials (i.e. orders, opinions, etc.) quickly and accurately. Flexibility to meet demanding deadlines and a concomitant strong work ethic are both required. Candidates must maintain a courteous and professional demeanor within chambers, the Court, and the Bar, and before the public.

Education

Law School Graduate

Additional information

To view the full job announcement please visit our website at www.vaed.uscourts.gov.

The United States District Court of the Eastern District of Virginia is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

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.

This position is not covered by benefits.

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 support documentation to ensure you meet the basic qualification requirements. If your complete application meets the basic qualifications, it will be forwarded to the hiring official for further consideration and scored on your level of experience and competencies needed to perform the duties of the position.

Required Documents

Cover letter
Detailed Resume
Law school and undergraduate transcripts
Three (3) recommendation letters or references
One (1) 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

Applicants should submit a cover letter, detailed resume, law school and undergraduate transcripts, three (3) recommendation letters or references, and one writing sample. Materials should be sent directly to chambers; do not submit materials through OSCAR. The writing sample should be an example, on paper, of legal writing that is not heavily edited or reviewed by others and should be comprised of persuasive legal analysis.

Application packages received by January 6, 2026, will be given priority consideration. Applicants must submit packages via email to Heather Black, Law Clerk, at Heather_Pearson@vaed.uscourts.gov.

Agency contact information

Heather Black

Phone: 757-222-7142
Email: Heather_Pearson@vaed.uscourts.gov

Address: US District Court and US Probation Office - Eastern District of Virginia
600 Granby Street
Norfolk, VA 23510
US

Next steps

All applications will be reviewed to identify the best qualified candidates. Only applicants selected for an interview will be notified. Applicants not selected for an interview will not receive notice concerning the status of their application.

Term Law Clerk Job in Norfolk, VA