The United States District Court for the Eastern District of Texas is a public service organization focused on providing exceptional customer service to the court, members of the legal community, and the general public. Currently, we are seeking a highly motivated and experienced individual to serve as Pro Se Law Clerk.
The United States District Court for the Eastern District of Texas is a public service organization focused on providing exceptional customer service to the court, members of the legal community, and the general public. Currently, we are seeking a highly motivated and experienced individual to serve as Pro Se Law Clerk.
Depending upon qualifications. Includes locality pay for DFW area pay table. This job uses the Judiciary Salary Plan (JSP) pay scale.
There are seven offices within the Eastern District of Texas: Beaumont, Lufkin, Marshall, Plano, Sherman, Texarkana and Tyler.
POSITION OVERVIEW AND DUTIES:
This position involves working directly with judges on managing prisoner civil rights and habeas corpus cases. Duties include screening prisoner civil rights complaints and habeas corpus petitions. The pro se law clerk independently conducts legal research, reviews case records/filings and drafts proposed opinions, memorandum decisions and orders. This position provides objective advice to judges, chambers and court staff and provides information to litigants and attorneys. In addition, pro se law clerks work closely with judges assisting with various pretrial conferences and trials.
Applicants must be United States citizens or eligible to work in the United States. All application information is subject to verification. Each selected candidate will be subject to a background check as a condition of employment and will be hired provisionally pending successful completion of the background check. Unsatisfactory results may result in termination of employment. Court employees are required to adhere to the Code of Conduct for Federal Judicial Employees. This position is subject to mandatory electronic funds transfer for payroll direct deposit.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
At the time of appointment, the candidate must be a law school graduate with strong academic credentials, be a licensed attorney (out-of-state license acceptable) and be proficient in computer assisted research, word processing and spreadsheet applications, requisite court programs and automated case management systems. To qualify for this position, the candidate must also possess superior research and writing skills, exhibit strong analytical ability and demonstrate excellent verbal, written and interpersonal skills. The candidate must also be able to maintain confidentiality, handle sensitive information and exercise discretion at all times. Demonstrated skill in providing excellent customer service is necessary, and a successful candidate will exhibit the qualities of judgment, temperament, integrity, trustworthiness and strong character required of an officer of the judiciary. Prior civil litigation experience is desirable.
Please read the "Qualifications" section.
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.
Please read the "Next steps" section for more information.
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.
Any qualified applicant should send a cover letter (including a narrative statement of the applicant's background), a Judicial Branch Federal Employment (AO 78) application with Optional Background Information (provided in response to questions 19, 20, and 21), and a resume. The cover letter should be addressed to:
Diana Velez, Human Resources Manager
William M. Steger Federal Building and United States Courthouse
211 West Ferguson Street, Room 106
Tyler, Texas 75702
An application form can be obtained on our web page at: https://www.txed.uscourts.gov/. All documents should be submitted as a single pdf with the reference number (2025-16 Pro Se Law Clerk) in the subject line via e-mail to: hr@txed.uscourts.gov.
Incomplete applications will not be considered. Applicants will be screened for qualifications and only the most qualified applicants will be contacted and selected for personal interviews. Skill and knowledge testing may be administered to candidates who progress beyond the initial interview process. Expenses associated with interviews or relocation will not be reimbursed.
The United States District Court Is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
