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 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. • Prior judicial clerkship or civil litigation experience preferred but not required. • Proficient Computer Skills, Internet Research, and Word Processing Skills including Use of Microsoft
Word.
Important Dates
Opening: September 25, 2026
Closing: Open Until filled
Est. Start Date: Aug./Sept. 2027
U.S. District Court, Southern District of
Florida
The U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida is comprised of eighteen authorized United States District Judges, nine Senior United States District Judges, sixteen full-time United States Magistrate Judges and one recalled United States Magistrate Judge. The District spans a geographical area that encompasses nine counties, at its southernmost includes Monroe County and at its northernmost includes Indian River County. The Clerk's Office maintains its headquarters in downtown Miami and includes four divisional courthouses.
Law Clerk to U.S. Magistrate Judge Ryon M. McCabe - Ann. No. 2026-JDS-28 Page 2 of 2
• Familiarity with CM/ECF. Salary
The pay rate offered is subject to Judicial Officer approval.
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, 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.
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, 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.
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
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 make sure to annotate Announcement No.: 2026-JDS-28 on subject line and email to: McCabe_Applicants@flsd.uscourts.gov A complete Application includes: 1. Cover Letter 2. Detailed Resume with exact dates of
employment and salary history 3. Copy of final law school transcript showing
date the JD was conferred 4. Proof of Bar Membership, if applicable 5. Legal Writing Sample
