Title: Admin Law Clerk (Chambers)
State Role Title: Salary Non-Specified
Hiring Range: $85,054.04
Location: CAV Judge Chaney's Office
Agency Website: www.vacourts.gov
Recruitment Type: General Public - G
Additional Detail
Job DutiesThe Honorable Vernida R. Chaney of the Court of Appeals, Alexandria, Virginia, is seeking applicants for a full-time clerkship for immediate hire for the [redacted] term.
Competitive salary with full state employee benefits package, including paid holidays, sick and personal leave, health insurance, retirement, life insurance, deferred compensation, short- and long-term disability.
Essential Duties & ResponsibilitiesThe law clerk's principal responsibilities are legal research, analysis, and drafting; the position also includes administrative and courtroom support. Chambers operates on strict statutory and internal deadlines, and the workload can be demanding, particularly during argument sessions.
- Conduct independent, comprehensive legal research and analysis, and provide recommendations.
- Review petitions, motions, and appellate filings, and prepare bench memoranda.
- Assist the judge in preparing for oral arguments, conferences, and case discussions.
- Analyze and summarize appellate briefs and trial records, including transcripts, pleadings, exhibits, and digital evidence, in clear, well-reasoned writing.
- Draft court opinions and orders consistent with the judge's instructions.
- Conduct citation, quote, and record checks of briefs, pleadings, judicial opinions, and other documents.
- Proofread and cite-check the judge's drafts before circulation.
- Maintain and organize electronic case files, records, and databases, including use of the court's case management and filing system.
- Track chambers' internal and external deadlines, drafting progress, and workflow.
- Serve as a liaison between chambers and court administration, the clerk's office, and other chambers on case processing, scheduling, and administrative matters.
- Attend oral argument hearings and operate the timer and recording equipment.
- Coordinate logistics for oral argument hearings and chambers-related activities.
- Collaborate closely with the judge, co-law clerks, and interns.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
Professional Expectations:
- Communicate professionally and courteously with other judges, their chambers, court staff, and the public.
- Follow court and chambers policies, procedures, and rules, and uphold the highest ethical standards.
Minimum QualificationsThe most competitive candidates will possess:
- Juris Doctor degree from an ABA-approved law school, or membership in good standing of the bar of the Supreme Court of Virginia or the highest court of another state.
- United States citizenship or permanent legal residency and a criminal background check (conducted before employment offer extended) required.
- Demonstrated integrity, exceptional work ethic, and time-management and organizational skills; proven ability to evaluate and synthesize voluminous materials while meeting critical deadlines; and excellent analytical, writing, editing, oral communication, interpersonal, and problem-solving skills.
- Competence with legal research platforms (Lexis), Bluebook citation format, Microsoft Office, OneDrive, Teams, computer-based case tracking, and online productivity tools.
Preferred Qualifications- Prior legal, clerkship, or internship experience in one or more of the following areas: criminal, civil, domestic relations, workers' compensation, or administrative agency law.
- Law review, moot court, or judicial-writing coursework.
- Working knowledge of trial and appellate court procedures, systems, and rules.
- Familiarity with Virginia-specific case law, rules, and procedures.
- Demonstrated interest in appellate practice, public service, or the judicial process, through coursework, continuing legal education, clinical or pro bono work, prior employment, or volunteer service
Additional ConsiderationsA cover letter, resume, references, and two writing samples are required. Applicants must apply online; we do not accept documents via mail or email. Only interviewed applicants will be notified of the filling of the position. No phone calls or emails regarding application status
A criminal background check is required.
Contact Information 
