Job Details for Term Law Clerk to a U.S. Magistrate Judge
| Court Name/Organization | Maryland District Court |
| Overview of the Position | The U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland invites applications for the position of term Law Clerk to a U.S. Magistrate Judge. This is a one-year position with the possibility of extension for between one and three additional years thereafter. Law Clerks are an integral part of chambers as they consult with the Judge on civil and criminal matters pending before the court, research legal issues, draft legal memoranda, opinions and orders, prepare pre-hearing bench memoranda that identify issues for the Judge and questions for the parties, and prepare the judge for hearings, settlement conferences, and trials. Law Clerk duties will include reviewing briefs and other case filings; writing bench memoranda; and assisting with legal research related to the drafting of orders and opinions in a wide variety of civil and criminal cases. Administrative duties will include regularly reviewing and then managing the active case docket and scheduling conferences and other matters before the court. |
| Location | Baltimore, MD |
| Opening and Closing Dates | 01/03/2025 - Open Until Filled |
| Appointment Type | Temporary |
| Classification Level/Grade | JSP 11 - JSP 14 |
| Salary | $84,601 - $142,488 |
| Link to Court Careers Information | https://www.mdd.uscourts.gov/employment-opportunities |
| Link to Job Announcement | |
Position Description
Law Clerk Duties
- Research and analyze routine, novel, and complex legal issues in diverse areas of federal civil and criminal litigation.
- Draft memoranda in civil and criminal cases for the judge’s review.
- Prepare bench memoranda and other written materials for motions hearings and trial proceedings, as directed.
- Provide information and guidance to the judge on individual cases, as directed.
- Perform extensive computer legal research via Westlaw and/or Lexis.
- Monitor significant changes in federal statutes, sentencing guidelines, and Supreme Court and Fourth Circuit precedent.
- Review memoranda drafted by staff attorneys.
Administrative Duties
- Regularly monitor dockets of all pending cases and draft orders, as appropriate, for scheduling and discovery-related issues, default proceedings, service deficiencies, and other miscellaneous matters.
- Perform periodic case review.
- Perform other administrative duties as assigned by the judge and as necessary for the efficient operation of chambers.
Qualifications
At the time of appointment, the candidate must possess the following minimum requirements:
- Be a graduate of an ABA accredited law school with a strong law school record (top 33% and some law journal experience are preferred, but not required).
- Have a demonstrated commitment to public service or public interest law.
- Possess superior research and writing skills.
- Be proficient in computer-assisted legal research, Windows, and Word.
- Exhibit strong analytical ability.
- Demonstrate excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal skills.
- Have a track record that demonstrates outstanding organizational skills.
Employee Benefits
- A minimum of 11 paid holidays per year.
- Optional participation in the Federal Employees Health, Dental, Vision, and Life Insurance programs, Long Term Disability Plan, Long Term Care Insurance, Flexible Benefits programs, and the Commuter Benefit program.
Miscellaneous
Law Clerk Duties
- Research and analyze routine, novel, and complex legal issues in diverse areas of federal civil and criminal litigation.
- Draft memoranda in civil and criminal cases for the judge’s review.
- Prepare bench memoranda and other written materials for motions hearings and trial proceedings, as directed.
- Provide information and guidance to the judge on individual cases, as directed.
- Perform extensive computer legal research via Westlaw and/or Lexis.
- Monitor significant changes in federal statutes, sentencing guidelines, and Supreme Court and Fourth Circuit precedent.
- Review memoranda drafted by staff attorneys.
Administrative Duties
- Regularly monitor dockets of all pending cases and draft orders, as appropriate, for scheduling and discovery-related issues, default proceedings, service deficiencies, and other miscellaneous matters.
- Perform periodic case review.
- Perform other administrative duties as assigned by the judge and as necessary for the efficient operation of chambers.
Application Info
Qualified applicants should submit one document in PDF format via email to: jobs@mdd.uscourts.gov that includes the following:
- A cover letter addressing the qualifications, skills, and experience necessary to perform the job;
- A current resume, including a list of at least three professional references.
- A law school transcript.
- A completed AO78 Form, Application for Federal Judicial Branch of Employment.
- A writing sample of at least five pages, but no more than twenty pages, is required.
Applications will be reviewed, and interviews scheduled, on a rolling basis. This position will close without notice once a qualified candidate is selected. Due to the volume of applications received, the Court may communicate only with those selected for an interview. The court reserves the right to modify the conditions of this job announcement or to withdraw the job announcement, any of which actions may occur without any prior written notice.
The federal Judiciary is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer.