United States District Court for the District of Utah - Judicial Law Clerk

OPEN DATE: AUGUST 31, 2020

CLOSE DATE: SEPTEMBER 18, 2020

The United States District Court for the District of Utah is accepting applications for a term judicial law clerk position to U.S. Magistrate Judge Daphne Oberg. The starting salary is $64,009 - $91,231 based on qualifications and experience. By Judicial Conference policy, a ‘term’ law clerk may not serve more than four years in the federal system. This position will have an employment assignment of at least two years.

POSITION OVERVIEW: The judicial law clerk serves as legal advisor to the Honorable Daphne Oberg. The caseload in the jurisdiction is heavy, and the types of cases presented are varied and often involve novel issues of law. Employment with the United States District Court offers a generous benefit package, civil and criminal law experience, significant responsibility, and challenging work. Responsibilities include:  Managing all aspects of assigned civil and criminal cases; review docket of pending cases to assure proper progress  Performing legal research as needed; identify problem areas, make recommendations, and offer solutions  Providing information and advice to the U.S. Magistrate Judge in connection with pending litigation; drafting bench memoranda, opinions, and Reports and Recommendations for the judge’s review  Answering general and procedural questions from attorneys, pro se litigants, and the public; communicating with other court officials and employees from other federal agencies  Keeping abreast of changes in the law and federal and local rules to keep the judge advised of significant changes The judicial law clerk may also have responsibility for some clerical/administrative duties, as the chambers arrangements do not include a judicial assistant. These duties may include coordinating the judge’s meeting, appointments, and court schedule; making travel arrangements and submitting requests for travel reimbursement; assisting the courtroom deputy in maintaining electronic court calendar; having familiarity with the court’s electronic filing and case management system; answering and screening telephone calls; having proficiency with proofreading and editing material for grammar, spelling accuracy, and word usage; and performing other duties as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: The successful candidate must have a Juris Doctorate degree and be a member in good standing of the bar of a state, territory or Federal Court of general jurisdiction. Litigation experience is not required but is preferred. Candidates who commit to serving in a term assignment for more than one year may be preferred. The successful candidate must be able to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing; possess good judgment and discretion; be dependable, responsible, and able to maintain confidentiality; be a proactive self-starter and demonstrate initiative in problem solving; be able to work quickly and harmoniously with others in a team-based environment; and present a poised, professional appearance and demeanor at all times. This position requires superb writing skills, along with organizational, people, and time-management skills. A successful candidate must also be able to juggle many changing priorities and demands at the same time. Computer-assisted legal research and word processing skills are essential.

SALARY AND BENEFITS: The salary for this position is a Judicial Salary Plan (JSP) 11- $64,009 to (JSP) 13- $91,231, based on qualifications and experience. This position falls within the Judicial Branch of the U.S. Government, and the benefits include health, dental, vision, and life insurance. The position is subject to mandatory direct deposit participation.

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT: All application information is subject to verification. Appointment to this position is contingent upon a background investigation, including an FBI fingerprint check. The judicial law clerk serves at the pleasure of the court and is an 'at will' employee who can be terminated with or without cause. All judiciary employees are required to adhere to the Judicial Code of Conduct. Applicants must be United States citizens or in the process of becoming a United States citizen.

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS: Qualified candidates are invited to submit: 1. Letter of interest 2. Detailed resume including education and previous employment 3. Two writing samples that have not been edited by others (no more than 15 pages each) 4. Application for Judicial Branch Employment (AO78) 5. A list of three professional references The application form (AO-78) is available via the court’s web site http://www.utd.uscourts.gov or at the address listed below from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday - Friday. Application packages must be emailed in pdf format or received in hard copy no later than September 18, 2020. Applications will be screened for completeness and qualifications. Only the most qualified applicants will be contacted and selected for a personal interview. Incomplete applications will not be considered. Interview and relocation expenses will not be reimbursed. If an accommodation is necessary to interview, please advise the Human Resources Office.

Please email the application package to: utd_humanresources@utd.uscourts.gov Or mail or hand-deliver the application package to: United States District Court Attn: Human Resources Oberg Judicial Law Clerk Position 351 South West Temple Salt Lake City, UT 84101