Position Overview Law clerks enjoy full responsibility for all aspects of assigned civil and criminal cases from inception to conclusion. They review complaints, petitions, motions, and pleadings that have been filed to identify and analyze the issues involved and basis for relief; perform legal research as required; identify problem areas, make recommendations, and offer solutions in assigned cases; provide information and advice to the Judge in connection with pending litigation; draft appropriate recommendations and substantive orders; keep abreast of changes in the law to aid the Judge in keeping current; and perform other duties as assigned.
Qualifications/Requirements To qualify for the position of law clerk on the personal staff of a federal judge, 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 one or more 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; • 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.
Court Preferred Skills: • Excellent legal research and writing skills.
U.S. District Court, Southern District of
Florida
There are eighteen authorized United States District Judges in the Southern District of Florida. The Court is comprised of United States District Judges, Senior United States District Judges, and United States Magistrate Judges. The district spans a geographical area that encompasses nine counties - its southernmost includes Monroe County and its northernmost includes Indian River County. The Clerk's Office maintains its headquarters in downtown Miami and includes four divisional courthouses
NOTICE OF VACANCY
Position: Law Clerk - U.S. Magistrate Judge Panayotta Augustin-Birch Ann. No: 2026-JDS-26 No. Vacancy: One Full-Time Position Duty Station: Fort Lauderdale, Florida Salary: Commensurate with Legal Work Experience
Law Clerk to U.S. Magistrate Panayotta Augustin-Birch - Ann. No. 2026-JDS-26 Page 2 of 2
How to Apply
A complete application package consists of the following items, consolidated into one PDF document in the order listed below:
1. Cover Letter 2. Detailed Resume with exact dates of
employment and salary history 3. Copy of Law School Transcript
showing month/day/year that the JD was conferred
4. Proof of Bar Membership, if applicable
5. Legal Writing Sample 6. Three (3) Professional References
Email Address: augustin-birch_applicants@flsd.uscourts.gov
Do not copy/paste your documents into the email. Make sure to annotate Announcement No.: 2026-JDS-26 on subject line of email.
Mailing Address: Chambers of the Honorable Panayotta Augustin-Birch United States District Court 299 E. Broward Blvd - Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301
Suite 205E
• Minimum of two years of federal civil litigation experience or of clerkship experience.
• Proficient computer skills, internet research, and word processing skills including use of Microsoft Word.
• Familiarity with CM/ECF.
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 is required. 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, tactful, exercises good judgment, uses initiative and always maintains professional appearance and demeanor. Candidate is also able to work harmoniously with others and communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
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 eleven 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, Long Term Care, and Long-Term Disability.
The Federal Court practices zero tolerance for illegal drug use. Applicants must be a United States Citizen or eligible to work in the United States.
