The United States District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia is currently accepting applications for a full-time Pro Se Staff Attorney. The Pro Se Staff Attorney works closely with the district judges and chambers staff to adjudicate lawsuits filed by pro se prisoners, as well as the post-conviction habeas corpus review of state criminal cases and review of motions to vacate federal death sentences.
The United States District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia is currently accepting applications for a full-time Pro Se Staff Attorney. The Pro Se Staff Attorney works closely with the district judges and chambers staff to adjudicate lawsuits filed by pro se prisoners, as well as the post-conviction habeas corpus review of state criminal cases and review of motions to vacate federal death sentences.
This announcement is for one vacancy with two possible locations.
This position is on-site but will be a hybrid between the Alexandria and Richmond divisions. Candidates will be expected to select a primary duty station and travel as needed to the opposite division for training and performance of job duties. Some telework is authorized. Preference given to candidates able to start as soon as possible. This position requires a three (3) year commitment.
Duties and responsibilities include:
Applicant must be a United States citizen or eligible to work in the United States. A criminal background check will be initiated before a final job offer. All court employees are required to adhere to the Code of Conduct for Judicial Employees, which is available to applicants upon request. Employees of the United States District Court are Excepted Service Appointments. Excepted service appointments are at will and can be terminated with or without cause by the Court. Employees are required to use the Electronic Fund Transfer (EFT) for payroll deposit.
Law school graduate (top quarter or law review required), with at least three years of professional legal experience with a significant portion of that experience dealing with prisoner pro se litigation involving § 1983 and habeas corpus matters. Experience handling Virginia post-conviction issues is preferred. Computer proficiency in Windows applications, word processing ability in Microsoft Word, and experience with computer-assisted legal research are required. Applicants must have the ability to analyze complex legal issues and understand a wide range of legal concepts, principles, and practices as they relate to prisoner litigation; perform legal research and write accurately and expeditiously; communicate complex issues in simple terms with a professional demeanor; set priorities; and manage work with limited supervision. Applicants must be detail-oriented and possess excellent organizational skills.
Please read the "Qualifications" section.
You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.
Applicants will also be evaluated based on how well their skills and education fit the needs of the position.
Please read the "How to Apply" section.
Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.
To apply, submit a cover letter; detailed résumé including educational background, past employment, and references; a law school transcript; and a writing sample. Priority consideration will be given to applications received by April 1, 2025. The application package should be sent to:
Danae Holmes Rodriguez
Director of Human Resources
United States District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia
600 Granby Street, Suite 200
Norfolk, VA 23510
Alternatively, you may email your application materials to: jobbox6@vaed.uscourts.gov
All applications will be reviewed to identify the best qualified candidates. Only applicants selected for an interview will be notified. Applicants not selected for an interview will not receive notice concerning the status of their application.
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
