Death Penalty Law Clerk

at  US Courts

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.

EDUCATION

Please read the “Qualifications” section.

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

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.
Help

• 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.