Official websites use .gov
A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States.

Secure .gov websites use HTTPS
A lock ( ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .gov website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

Main Menu

Job Details for Judicial Law Clerk (Term)

Court Name/Organization Utah District Court
Overview of the Position The U.S. District Court for the District of Utah is accepting applications for a judicial law clerk to the Honorable David Barlow, U.S. District Judge. This is a ‘term’ law clerk position. The starting salary is $73,939 - $105,383 based on qualifications and experience. By Judicial Conference policy, a ‘term’ law clerk may not serve more than four years in the federal system. The desired start date is August 2027 and the duration is expected to be one year.
Location Salt Lake City, UT
Opening and Closing Dates 08/29/2025 - 09/30/2025
Appointment Type Permanent
Classification Level/Grade JSP 11 - JSP 13
Salary $73,939 - $105,383
Announcement Number 07-UTD-25
Link to Job Announcement

Position Description

The judicial law clerk serves as legal advisor to the Honorable David Barlow. The caseload in the jurisdiction is heavy and the types of cases presented are varied and often involve novel issues of law. As such, the position requires excellent organizational, writing, and analytic skills. Employment with the U.S. District Court offers civil and criminal law experience at the federal court trial level and an environment providing significant responsibility and challenge. Responsibilities include:

  • Review complaints for jurisdiction; manage all aspects of assigned civil and criminal cases; review docket of pending cases to assure proper progress
  • Perform legal research as needed, identify problem areas, make recommendations and offer solutions
  • Provide information and advice to the U.S. District Judge in connection with pending litigation; assist with and attend court proceedings, write bench memoranda, proposed orders, and opinions for the judge’s review
  • Answer general and procedural questions from attorneys, pro se litigants and the public; communicate with other court officials and employees from other federal agencies
  • Keep abreast of changes in the law and federal and local rules to keep the judge advised of significant changes, and perform other duties as assigned

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.

There is no GPA or class rank minimum, but candidates graduating in the top 15% of their class with law review experience are strongly preferred. Law Review experience also is preferred.

The position is open to both new and experienced lawyers. Previous clerkship experience is valued.

The successful candidate must be able to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, possess good judgment and discretion; be dependable, responsible and maintain confidentially; 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 ability are essential.

Employee Benefits

The entry salary for this position is a Judicial Salary Plan (JSP) 11 - $73,939 to (JSP) 13 - $105,383 based on qualifications and experience. This is a ‘term’ position. This position falls within the Judicial Branch of the U.S. Government and the benefits include health, dental, vision and life insurance. This position is subject to mandatory direct deposit participation.

Miscellaneous

The judicial law clerk serves as legal advisor to the Honorable David Barlow. The caseload in the jurisdiction is heavy and the types of cases presented are varied and often involve novel issues of law. As such, the position requires excellent organizational, writing, and analytic skills. Employment with the U.S. District Court offers civil and criminal law experience at the federal court trial level and an environment providing significant responsibility and challenge. Responsibilities include:

  • Review complaints for jurisdiction; manage all aspects of assigned civil and criminal cases; review docket of pending cases to assure proper progress
  • Perform legal research as needed, identify problem areas, make recommendations and offer solutions
  • Provide information and advice to the U.S. District Judge in connection with pending litigation; assist with and attend court proceedings, write bench memoranda, proposed orders, and opinions for the judge’s review
  • Answer general and procedural questions from attorneys, pro se litigants and the public; communicate with other court officials and employees from other federal agencies
  • Keep abreast of changes in the law and federal and local rules to keep the judge advised of significant changes, and perform other duties as assigned

Application Info

Qualified candidates are invited to submit:

  1. Letter of interest
  2. Detailed resume including education and previous employment
  3. Law school transcript (official or unofficial)
  4. A recent writing sample that has not been edited by others (no more than 15 pages)
  5. Two or three letters of recommendation

Application packages must be emailed in pdf format or received in hard copy no later than Sept. 30, 2025, but applications will be considered on a rolling basis. Applications will be screened for completeness and qualifications. Only some of 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 application packages to: UTDecf_Barlow@utd.uscourts.gov

Or mail or hand deliver to:
United States District Court
Attn: Barlow Judicial Law Clerk Position
351 South West Temple, Suite 10.420
Salt Lake City, UT 84101

The federal Judiciary is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer.