Older Listing

Posted: December 15, 2025 (30 days ago)

This job has been posted for 2-4 weeks. Consider applying soon if interested.

Term Law Clerk

U.S. Courts

Judicial Branch

Older

Location

Salary

$75,038 - $106,950

per year

Type

Closes

December 14, 2026

Job Description

Summary

This job is for a temporary law clerk who helps a federal judge in Virginia by researching cases, writing legal documents like opinions and orders, and assisting in court proceedings.

It involves managing a busy schedule of civil and criminal cases in a fast-moving court.

A good fit would be someone with strong legal writing skills, the ability to work quickly under pressure, and a professional attitude.

Key Requirements

  • Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree from an accredited law school
  • Excellent legal research and analytical skills
  • Superior writing abilities for drafting opinions, orders, and memos
  • Ability to meet tight deadlines in a fast-paced environment
  • Strong organizational skills and work ethic
  • Professional demeanor and communication with court personnel and the public
  • Availability to start in January 2026 for 9-18 month term

Full Job Description

The U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia is seeking qualified applicants for a full-time Term Law Clerk to United States District Judge Elizabeth W. Hanes.

The Court will consider applications for either a nine-month term (beginning in January 2026 and ending in August/September 2026) or a longer term (beginning in January 2026 and ending in August/September 2027).

The applicant's cover letter should specify the date upon which they can begin work and their preference.

The Temporary Law Clerk manages a large docket of civil and criminal cases and has primary responsibilities regarding the drafting and finalizing of opinions and orders.

This fast-paced "Rocket Docket" District demands excellent writing and analytical skills.

The successful applicant must meet multiple deadlines in a timely and organized fashion and must be able to produce written materials (i.e. orders, opinions, etc.) quickly and accurately.

Flexibility to meet demanding deadlines and a concomitant strong work ethic are both required.

Candidates must maintain a courteous and professional demeanor within chambers, the Court, and the Bar, and before the public.

Major Duties:

The U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia is seeking qualified applicants for a full-time Term Law Clerk to United States District Judge Elizabeth W. Hanes.

This position requires legal research and writing assistance, preparing bench memos, drafting orders and opinions, communicating with counsel and other court personnel regarding case management and procedural requirements, and assisting the Judge during courtroom proceedings.

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Posted on USAJOBS: 12/15/2025 | Added to FreshGovJobs: 12/16/2025

Source: USAJOBS | ID: FY26-06N