Pro Se Law Clerks provide legal advice and assistance to the Court in connection with prisoner petitions and complaints. The Pro Se Law Clerk works primarily on prisoner habeas corpus and civil rights actions, and cases in which a plaintiff applies for in forma pauperis (IFP) status. This appointment and continued employment are determined on a year to year basis and is subject to funding based upon the court's caseload.
Pro Se Law Clerks provide legal advice and assistance to the Court in connection with prisoner petitions and complaints. The Pro Se Law Clerk works primarily on prisoner habeas corpus and civil rights actions, and cases in which a plaintiff applies for in forma pauperis (IFP) status. This appointment and continued employment are determined on a year to year basis and is subject to funding based upon the court's caseload.
This announcement opens on October 19, 2026 and will remain open until filled. Preference will be given to those applications received by November 9, 2026.
Representative Duties:
Background Investigation:
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.
Applicant Information:
Employees must adhere to a Code of Conduct (https://www.uscourts.gov/administration-policies/judiciary-policies/ethics-policies/code-conduct-judicial-employees). The Court provides reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities. Veterans' preference is not a factor used in Judicial Branch appointments. Applicants must be U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents seeking U.S. citizenship. 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.
Preferred Qualifications:
| JSP Grade Level | Years of Legal Work Experience | Bar Membership Required | Pittsburgh/Johnstown |
| 11 | 0 | No | $77,211 - $100,380 |
| 12 | 1 | Yes | $92,543 - $120,309 |
| 13 | 2 | Yes | $110,047 - $143,062 |
| 14 | 3 | Yes | $130,042 - $169,060 |
Education 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:
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.
You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.
Applicants will receive an email confirmation upon receipt. Incomplete applications will not be considered.
Please submit the following:
Apply only through the court's online application tracking system which is accessed at the Employment Section (Court Info) of the Western District of Pennsylvania website: Click here.
Applicants will receive an email confirmation upon receipt. Incomplete applications will not be considered. Only candidates selected for interview will be notified and must travel at their own expense. Relocation expenses will not be reimbursed.
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
