Pro Se Law Clerk

U.S. Courts•Johnstown, PA

11d

About The Position

Pro Se Law Clerks provide legal advice and assistance to the Court in connection with prisoner petitions and complaints. The position primarily involves prisoner habeas corpus and civil rights actions, as well as cases in which a plaintiff applies for in forma pauperis (IFP) status. Appointment and continued employment are determined on a year-to-year basis and are subject to funding based on the Court’s caseload. The selected candidate performs substantive screening of prisoner and inmate petitions and motions, reviews pleadings and dockets, conducts legal research, and drafts recommendations and proposed orders for the Court. The role also supports case management, communication with litigants and staff, procedural improvements, statistical reporting, and keeping current with changes in law affecting pro se matters.

Requirements

Must be a law school graduate, or certified as having completed all law school studies and requirements and awaiting conferment of the degree, from a law school of recognized standing.
Must have demonstrated one of the following: standing in the upper one-third of the class at an ABA- or AALS-accredited law school; experience on the editorial board of a law review at such a school; an LL.M. degree from such a school; or legal-studies proficiency considered equivalent by the appointing judge.
Applicants must be U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents seeking U.S. citizenship.
Must submit to a background investigation, including criminal history, credit, and FBI fingerprint checks, with periodic updates, and receive a favorable employment suitability determination.
Must adhere to the Code of Conduct for Judicial Employees.
Must use electronic funds transfer for payroll deposit.
For JSP-12 and above, membership in the bar of a state, territory, or federal court of general jurisdiction is required.
Required legal work experience by grade: JSP-11 requires 0 years; JSP-12 requires 1 year; JSP-13 requires 2 years; JSP-14 requires 3 years. Legal work experience is progressively responsible experience in the practice of law, legal research, legal administration, or equivalent experience after law school graduation. Qualifying substantial legal activities during military service may be credited month for month, up to one year if completed before graduation.

Nice To Haves

Background in prisoner habeas corpus and civil rights actions.
Excellent research, writing, and analytical skills.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Ability to prioritize work.
Ability to work collaboratively and independently, and efficiently and effectively in a high-volume environment.
High ethical standards and a positive work attitude.

Responsibilities

Perform substantive screening after filing of prisoner and inmate petitions and motions, including state habeas corpus petitions, motions to vacate sentence, and civil rights complaints.
Draft recommendations and proposed orders for the Court’s review.
Review filed complaints, petitions, and pleadings to determine the issues involved and the basis for relief.
Conduct research as required to assist the Court in preparing opinions.
Maintain liaison between the Court and litigants.
Evaluate existing procedures and identify innovations to improve the handling of pro se complaints, petitions, and pleadings.
Review the docket of pending prisoner and inmate litigation to ensure proper case progress and advise the Court when action is appropriate.
Compile statistics and prepare periodic reports reflecting case status and flow.
Identify problem areas, make recommendations, and offer solutions as required by the Court, Administrative Office, and other officials.
Keep abreast of changes in law in the pro se area.
Provide information, guidance, and advice to the Court and other staff working in the pro se area.
Advise appropriate personnel on case status.
Perform other related duties as assigned.