SummaryPro Se Law Clerks provide legal advice and assistance to the Court in connection with prisoner petitions and complaints, immigration habeas corpus petitions, and state death penalty habeas corpus petitions. The Pro Se Law Clerk works on prisoner habeas corpus and civil rights actions, cases in which a plaintiff applies for in forma pauperis (IFP) status, immigration habeas corpus petitions and motions to vacate federal death sentences.
DutiesHelp
Pro Se Law Clerks may perform other duties assigned by the Court. This appointment and continued employment are determined on a year to year basis and is subject to funding based upon the court's caseload.
Representative Duties:
- Performs substantive screening after filing of all prisoner and inmate petitions and motions, including state habeas corpus petitions, motions to vacate sentence, civil rights complaints, and immigration petitions and motions, including habeas corpus petitions.
- Drafts appropriate recommendations and proposed orders for the Court's review.
- Reviews filed complaints, petitions, and pleadings to determine issues involved and basis for relief.
- Performs research, as required, to assist the Court in preparing opinions.
- Maintains liaison between the Court and litigants.
- Evaluates present procedures to determine new innovations for increasing the effectiveness in handling pro se complaints, petitions, and pleadings.
- Reviews the docket of pending prisoner, inmate, immigration and death penalty litigation to assure the proper progress of such cases and advises the Court of those cases where action by the Court is appropriate.
- Compiles statistics and prepares periodic reports, as required, that reflect the status and flow of cases. Identifies problem areas, makes recommendations, and offers solutions, as required by the Court, Administrative Office, and other officials.
- Keeps abreast of changes in the law in the pro se area, immigration habeas cases, and developments in applicable capital habeas law.
- Provides information, guidance, and advice to the Court and other staff working in the pro se area. Advises appropriate personnel on the status of cases.
- Provide information and guidance to judges and court staff on legal issues unique to capital habeas and prisoner rights cases.
- Performs other related duties as assigned.
RequirementsHelp
QualificationsPreferred Qualifications:
- A background in prisoner habeas corpus and civil rights actions, immigration related writs of habeas corpus, death penalty petitions and motions to vacate federal death sentences.
- Excellent research, writing, and analytical skills
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- Ability to prioritize work
- Ability to work both collaboratively and independently, as well as efficiently and effectively, in a high-volume environment
- High ethical standards and a positive work attitude
Legal work experience that will be considered in determining salary is defined as 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.
The table below shows the number of years of legal work experience required to qualify for appointment as a pro se law clerk at the applicable JSP grade levels. Please note that appointment to JSP-12 or above requires that the candidate be a member of the bar of a state, territory, or federal
court of general jurisdiction.
JSP Grade Level
Years of Legal Work Experience
Bar Membership Required
Pittsburgh/Johnstown
Erie
11
0
No
$77,211 - $100,380
$74,678 - $97,087
12
1
Yes
$92,543 - $120,309
$89,508 - $116,362
13
2
Yes
$110,047 - $143,062
$106,437 - $138,370
14
3
Yes
$130,042 - $169,060
$125,776 - $163,514
EducationEducation Requirements:
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 demonstrated one of the following accomplishments or proficiencies:
a) Standing within the upper one-third of the class at a law school that is accredited by the American Bar Association or the Association of American Law Schools;
b) Experience on the editorial board of a law review of such a school;
c) Graduation from such a school with an LLM degree; or
d) Proficiency in legal studies that, in the opinion of the appointing judge, is the equivalent of one of the above. Some examples of criteria that are considered to be acceptable as equivalent include, but are not limited to:
- Publication of a noteworthy article in a law school student publication or other scholarly publication;
- Special high-level honors for academic excellence in law school, such as election to the Order of the Coif;
- Winning of a moot court competition or membership on a moot court team that represents the law school in competition with other law schools;
- Participation in the legal aid or other law school clinical program sanctioned by the law school;* or
- Summer experience as a law clerk to a state or local judge or law clerk experience on a continuing basis in a private firm while attending school (i.e., working one's way through college).*
*To receive credit, participation and experience could not have been for academic credit).
Additional informationStarting salary determined by qualifications, years of legal work experience, bar membership and assigned duty station (See "legal work experience and salary table under Qualifications).
The applicant selected for the position may work in person or, in some circumstances, may be permitted to work fully-remote. Additionally, in person employees may be approved for occasional telework as outlined in the Court's Telework Policy.
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Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.
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