United States Courts

2026-JDS-15 - Law Clerk to U.S. District Judge Jose E. Martinez

United States Courts$79K — $113K *
Miami, FL 33186In-Person
Legal & Accounting
Less than 5 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Law school graduate or awaiting degree conferment from a recognized institution.
  • Upper third standing in law school class or equivalent legal experience.
  • Experience with law review or legal journals.
  • Participation in moot court or mock trials.
  • Demonstrated proficiency in legal studies as evaluated by the judge.

Responsibilities

  • Manage all aspects of assigned civil and criminal cases from start to finish.
  • Review and analyze filed legal documents to extract key issues.
  • Conduct legal research as necessary to support case analysis.
  • Identify legal problem areas and propose viable solutions.
  • Provide advice and information to the Judge regarding ongoing litigation.
  • Draft recommendations and substantive orders for the Judge.
  • Stay informed about changes in the law to assist the Judge effectively.

Benefits

  • Mandatory electronic direct deposit of salary payments.
  • Eligible for ten paid national holidays per year (for appointments longer than one year).
  • Participation in a pre-tax Federal Employees Health Insurance Program.
  • Opportunity to enroll in a pre-tax Flexible Spending Account.
  • Access to group insurance programs for Dental, Vision, Life, and Long-Term Disability.
Full Job Description
Position Overview Law Clerk responsibilities: Enjoys full responsibility for all aspects of assigned civil and criminal cases from inception to conclusion. Reviews complaints, petitions, motions, and pleadings that have been filed to identify and analyze the issues involved and basis for relief; performs legal research as required; identifies problem areas, makes recommendations, and offers solutions in assigned cases; provides information and advice to the Judge in connection with pending litigation; drafts appropriate recommendations and substantive orders; keeps abreast of changes in the law to aid the Judge in keeping current; and performs other duties as assigned.

Qualifications/Requirements To qualify for this position, a person 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 at least one of the following attributes:
• 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;
• Law review or other legal journal experience at such a school; • Moot court or mock trial competition experience at such a school; or • Demonstrated proficiency in legal studies which in the opinion of the

judge is the equivalent to one of the above.

Start Date: December 2026

Position: Law Clerk to U.S. District Judge Jose E. Martinez Ann. No: 2026-JDS-15 No. Vacancy: One Full-Time Position Duty Station: Miami, FL Salary: Commensurate with Legal Work Experience

Important Dates

Opening: 5/28/2026

Closing: Open Until Filled

Law Clerk to U.S. District Judge Jose E. Martinez - Ann. No. 2026-JDS-15 Page 2 of 2

How to Apply

Submit complete Application package electronically in pdf- format. The required items must be consolidated into one document in the order listed below. Do not copy/paste your documents into the email.

Please write "Law Clerk Application" in subject line and email to: [email protected]

A complete Application includes: 1. Detailed Resume; 2. Copy of complete law school

transcript 3. Copy of undergraduate transcript; 4. List of References (min of 3); and 5. One Legal Writing Sample.

Court Preferred Skills:
• Prior Federal Clerkship experience is highly desired • At least one (preferably two) years of legal work

experience is strongly preferred • Must possess at least two of the attributes listed

above as qualifications/requirements; • Must have outstanding legal research and writing skills; and • Proficient computer skills, internet research, and word processing skills.

Salary The pay rate offered is subject to Judicial Officer approval.

JSP Grade Level Legal Work Experience Bar Membership

JSP Grade 11 - $79,533 0 No JSP Grade 12 - $95,326 1 Full-Time Year Yes JSP Grade 13 - $113,356 2 Full-Time Years Yes

Legal Work Experience 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 from law school.

Personal Characteristics The successful candidate is mature, responsible, poised, and tactful, exercises good judgment, uses initiative, and maintains a professional appearance and demeanor at all times. Candidate is also able to work harmoniously with others and communicates effectively, both orally and in writing.

Background Investigation & Fair Chance to Compete Act This is a Sensitive position within the judiciary. This position is not covered under the FCA. Therefore, candidates may be asked to provide verbal or written statements about criminal history prior to receiving a conditional job offer. The selected candidate will be subject to a criminal background check and a technical fingerprint check through the FBI Criminal Justice Information Services Division database as a condition of employment. Employment will be considered provisional until a background check is completed.

Benefits Employees of the United States District Court are Excepted Appointments and considered At-Will judicial employees. Federal Government Civil Service classifications or regulations do not apply. Electronic direct deposit of salary payments is mandatory. Term Law Clerks appointed for at least one year and one day are eligible for ten paid national holidays per calendar year; participation in a pre-tax Federal Employees Health Insurance Program; may sign up for a pre-tax Flexible Spending Account; and may elect coverage in group insurance programs for Dental, Vision, Life, and Long-Term Disability.

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