Job Details for Term Law Clerk to U.S. District Judge Lopez
| Court Name/Organization: | California Southern District Court |
| Overview of the Position: | The U.S. District Court for the Southern District of California is seeking qualified candidates for the position of term law clerk to U.S. District Judge Linda Lopez. The start date for this position will be on or around July 1, 2024. |
| Location: | San Diego, CA |
| Opening and Closing Dates: | 04/16/2024 - 07/15/2024 |
| Appointment Type: | Temporary |
| Salary: | $82,633 - $153,113 |
| Link to Court Careers Information: | http://www.casd.uscourts.gov |
| Announcement Number: | 24-14 |
| Link to Job Announcement | |
Position Description
Provide information and guidance to the judge in connection with pending civil and criminal litigation. Conduct research and draft orders for the judge’s review. Review complaints, petitions, motions, and pleadings that have been filed to determine issues involved and basis for relief. Manage special projects and other administrative duties for the judge as needed. Serve as a liaison between the Court and litigants and correspond with other court officials and personnel as needed. Review docket of pending litigation to assure progress. Keep abreast of changes in the law to aid the Court. Perform other duties as assigned.
Qualification
To qualify for the position, an individual must be a law school graduate. At least one year of previous federal clerkship experience or one year of experience litigating in federal court is required; a minimum of two years of experience litigating in federal court is strongly preferred. The applicant must be able to conduct legal research, draft orders, assist the judge during courtroom proceedings, and perform other duties as assigned.
Bar Membership & Salary Level
- To be placed at Grades 12 or 13, you must be a member in good standing of the bar of a state, territory, or Federal Court of general jurisdiction.
- **For attorneys entering the federal court system for the first time, to qualify for grade 12, an individual must have one year of legal work experience after graduation from law school. To qualify for grade 13, an individual must have two years of legal work experience after graduation from law school. All entering attorneys will be placed at salary range minimum.
- For current federal employees, salary placement will be determined by highest previous grade and step.
Legal Work Experience:
Legal work experience is progressively responsible experience in the practice of law, in legal research, legal administration, or equivalent experience received after graduation from law school. Major or substantial legal activities while in military service may be credited, on a month-for-month basis whether before or after graduation, but not to exceed one year if before graduation from law school.
Miscellaneous
Personal Characteristics:
The successful candidate should be mature, responsible; possess excellent organizational, administrative, project management, and interpersonal skills; be a self-starter; always maintain a professional appearance and demeanor; be able to work harmoniously with others; and communicate effectively, both orally and in writing. The ideal candidate must be computer literate, proficient in a Microsoft environment, and familiar with CM/ECF and/or PACER, Lexis Nexis, and Westlaw.
How To Apply
To apply for this position, please send cover letter, resume, writing sample, law school transcript (unofficial copy acceptable), and a list of three references with contact information. Completed applications should be emailed (preferably in PDF format) to CASD_HR@casd.uscourts.gov.
The federal Judiciary is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer.