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.
Clerkship Duration: 12/28/2026 to 05/21/2027
Position: Law Clerk to U.S. District Judge Ed Artau (Temporary) Ann. No: 2026-JDS-24 No. Vacancy: One Full-Time Position Duty Station: West Palm Beach, FL Salary: Commensurate with Legal Work Experience
Important Dates
Opening: 07/17/2025
Closing: Open Until Filled
Law Clerk to U.S. District Judge Ed Artau - Ann. No. 2026-JDS-24
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 "Temporary Law Clerk Application 2026" in subject line and email to: Artau_Applicants@flsd.uscourts.gov
A complete Application includes: 1. Detailed Resume; 2. Copy of final law school
transcript showing a minimum of 2 years of law school grades;
3. Copy of undergraduate transcript; 4. List of References (min of 2); and 5. Two Legal Writing Samples.
The Federal Court practices zero tolerance for illegal drug use. Applicants must be United States Citizens or eligible to work in the United States.
Court Preferred Skills:
• At least two of the attributes listed above as qualifications/ requirements;
• Outstanding legal research and writing skills; and/or • 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.
