Federal Judicial Clerkship (2 Years) (2027)

Federal Energy Regulatory Commission • Washington, DC

2d • Onsite

About The Position

The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission’s Office of Administrative Law Judges (OALJ) is an administrative law court that resolves issues of material fact and applies relevant laws, regulations, and FERC-interpreted policies in initial decisions. Those decisions are reviewed by FERC Commissioners and may be subject to appellate review in the D.C. Circuit or another U.S. Circuit Court with jurisdiction.

Law clerks serve a firm two-year term and are assigned to one or two judges, depending on office needs. They work closely with judges on complex energy-law questions and a broad range of other legal matters, including administrative, environmental, corporate, contract, tort, tax, securities, antitrust, and evidence issues. Clerks conduct legal and factual research, advise judges, and prepare draft decisions, orders, and memoranda. They may work with energy-industry analysts and other in-house experts, observe and assist with trials, oral arguments, and mediations, and communicate with case participants. The position is compensated at GS-11 with the Washington, DC locality adjustment and has promotion potential to GS-12 after 52 weeks in grade. The duty location is Washington, DC.

Requirements

• U.S. citizenship or nationality.
• J.D. or LL.B. degree from an accredited college or university by immediately following the spring 2027 academic semester and upon commencement of the clerkship.
• Pass the bar exam within 14 months of commencing work if not already admitted to a bar; maintain active bar status after promotion to Attorney Adviser.
• Commit to the full two-year clerkship term.
• Outstanding organizational, critical-analysis, and legal-writing skills.
• Submit transcripts with the application.
• Generally, male applicants must be registered with the Selective Service.
• Maximum two-page resume.
• Complete a background investigation and any required trial or probationary period.
• If hired, divest certain energy-related securities if required by applicable ethics rules.

Nice To Haves

• Passing the bar exam before commencing the clerkship is highly preferable.

Responsibilities

• Analyze data, information, and legal arguments to evaluate competing views, help plan strategies, and develop constructive solutions that assist the administrative law judge in reaching reasoned decisions.
• Present and explain concepts and information in writing, supporting conclusions with legal authority.
• Present and explain concepts and information orally, supporting conclusions with logic, policy, and legal authorities.
• Respond to internal and external inquiries about OALJ activities or direct inquiries to the appropriate staff or external entities.
• Plan and complete assignments independently or collaboratively, manage multiple assignments, anticipate workload, and work in a team setting with or directing others as appropriate.
• Conduct legal and factual research and advise the assigned judge.
• Prepare draft decisions, orders, and memoranda for the judge’s review.
• Work with energy-industry analysts and other in-house experts to develop technical knowledge as needed.
• Sit in on and assist with trials, oral arguments, and mediations, and serve as the judge’s primary communicator with participants.

Benefits

• Comprehensive federal employee benefits package for the employee and family; specific benefits depend on position type and should be confirmed with the hiring agency.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level