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Pro Se Law Clerk

Judicial Branch
U.S. Courts
United States District Court, Western District of Pennsylvania

Summary

Pro Se Law Clerks will provide legal research and writing assistance to the Court in connection with immigration habeas corpus petitions. 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.

Overview

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Accepting applications
Open & closing dates
03/30/2026 to 04/13/2026
Salary
$77,211 - $169,060 per year

Starting salary determined by qualifications, years of legal work experience, bar membership and assigned duty station.

Pay scale & grade
JS 11 - 14
Locations
2 vacancies in the following locations:
Erie, PA
Johnstown, PA
Pittsburgh, PA
Remote job
No
Telework eligible
Yes—as determined by the agency policy.
Travel Required
Not required
Relocation expenses reimbursed
No
Appointment type
Term - This appointment and continued employment are determined on a year-to-year basis and is subject to funding based upon the court's caseload.
Work schedule
Full-time
Service
Excepted
Promotion potential
None
Job family (Series)
Supervisory status
No
Security clearance
Not Required
Drug test
No
Financial disclosure
No
Bargaining unit status
No
Announcement number
26-02
Control number
863173100

This job is open to

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The public

U.S. Citizens, Nationals or those who owe allegiance to the U.S.

Duties

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REPRESENTATIVE DUTIES:

  • Performs substantive screening after the filing of 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.
  • Evaluates present procedures to determine new innovations for increasing the effectiveness in handling complaints, petitions, and pleadings.
  • Reviews the docket of pending immigration 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 area of immigration habeas cases.
  • Performs other related/other duties as assigned.

Requirements

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Conditions of employment

  • Applicants must be U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents seeking U.S. citizenship.
  • This position is classified as a sensitive position which requires the selected candidate to submit to a background investigation which will include a criminal history, credit and FBI fingerprint check as a condition of employment with periodic updates. The selected candidate will be hired provisionally pending the successful completion of the required background check and favorable employment suitability determination.
  • Employees must adhere to a Code of Conduct (https://www.uscourts.gov/administration-policies/judiciary-policies/ethics-policies/code-conduct-judicial-employees).

Qualifications

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

  • A background in immigration related writs of habeas corpus
  • 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
Salary Table		 Erie Salary Table
11 0 No $77,211 - $91,352 $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 $123,776 - $163,514

Education

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:

  1. Publication of a noteworthy article in a law school student publication or other scholarly publication;
  2. Special high-level honors for academic excellence in law school, such as election to the Order of the Coif;
  3. Winning of a moot court competition or membership on a moot court team that represents the law school in competition with other law schools;
  4. Participation in the legal aid or other law school clinical program sanctioned by the law school;* or
  5. 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 information

  • The Court provides reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities.
  • Veterans' preference is not a factor used in Judicial Branch appointments.
  • Positions with the U.S. Courts are excepted service appointments, which are "at will" and may be terminated with or without cause.
  • Employees are required to use electronic funds transfer for payroll deposit.
  • The court reserves the right to modify the conditions of this job announcement, to withdraw the job announcement, and/or to commence interviews immediately, any of which may occur without prior written or other notice.
  • In the event a position becomes vacant in a similar classification within a reasonable time from the original announcement, the Court may select an appointee from the candidates who responded to the initial announcement without posting the vacancy.
  • Telework/Remote Opportunities: The applicant selected for the position may work in person and is eligible for telework as outlined in the Court's Telework Policy. Additionally, applicants applying who wish to work as a full-time remote worker also may apply.
  • Click here to view a brief video about legal professionals working in the Courts.
The United States District Court, Western District of Pennsylvania, is an Equal Opportunity Employer and values diversity in the workplace.

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.

How you will be evaluated

You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.

We will review your resume and supporting documents to ensure you meet the basic qualification requirements. We will evaluate each applicant who meets the basic qualifications on the information provided and evaluate your relevant professional, educational, and work experiences as it relates to fundamental competencies, identified in the Qualifications section above, required for this position.

U.S. Courts

The District's jurisdiction encompasses the 25 western counties of Pennsylvania, with courthouses located in Erie, Johnstown and Pittsburgh. The District is comprised of United States District Judges, United States Senior District Judges, United States Magistrate Judges and approximately 145 employees.

Agency contact information

Human Resources Manager
Email
pawd@resume.uscourts.gov
Address
US District Court, Western District of PA
700 Grant Street
Suite 3100
Pittsburgh, PA 15219
US

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Learn more about what it's like to work at U.S. Courts, what the agency does, and about the types of careers this agency offers.

https://www.pawd.uscourts.gov/

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