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Job Details for Term Law Clerk

Court Name/Organization Colorado District Court
Overview of the Position The U.S. District Court for the District of Colorado has an opening for a judicial law clerk (term) in the chambers of U.S. Magistrate Judge Timothy P. O’Hara. This term is expected to last approximately two years, starting in October 2026, and ending in October 2028. The law clerk will provide legal support to the Judge by conducting legal research, preparing memoranda, drafting orders, assisting with trials and other court proceedings, and case management. The clerk also must maintain a courteous and professional demeanor within chambers, the Court, the bar, and with the public at large.
Location Denver, CO
Opening and Closing Dates 10/10/2025 - Open Until Filled
Appointment Type Permanent
Classification Level/Grade JSP 11 - JSP 13
Salary $82,440 - $117,501
Link to Court Careers Information https://www.cod.uscourts.gov/HR/EmploymentOpportunities.aspx
Announcement Number 2026-3-USDC
Link to Job Announcement

Qualifications

To qualify for the position of law clerk on the personal staff of a federal judge at JSP 11/1, a person must be a law school graduate (or be certified as having completed all law school studies and requirements and merely awaiting conferment of degree) from a law school of recognized standing, and have demonstrated one of the following accomplishments or proficiencies:

(a) Standing within the upper third of the law school class from a law school on the approved list of either the American Bar Association or the Association of American Law Schools;
(b) Experience on the editorial board of a law review of such a school;
(c) Graduation from such a school with an LLM degree; or
(d) Proficiency in legal studies that, in the opinion of the appointing judge, is the equivalent of one of the above.

To qualify for a JSP 12/1, a person must meet the above but also have at least one year of full-time legal work experience after graduation from law school and must be a member of the bar of a state, territorial, or federal court of general jurisdiction.
To qualify for a JSP 13/1, a person must meet the above but also have at least two years of full-time legal work experience after graduation from law school and must be a member of the bar of a state, territorial, or federal court of general jurisdiction.

Legal work experience is defined as 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 on military duty 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

Term law clerk appointments are limited to a total of four years, including all earlier appointments held under a federal term law clerk capacity. Term law clerks are subject to social security deductions and are eligible for health, dental, vision, and life insurance coverage. Term law clerks are not eligible to take part in the federal employee’s retirement system (FERS) or the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP), unless transferring from a covered (career) position without a break in service. Based on the judge’s discretion, term law clerks may or may not be placed on the Leave Act. Please visit Benefits Overview to view all federal judiciary employee benefits.

All employees must adhere to the judiciary’s Code of Conduct. In addition, this position is subject to mandatory fund transfer (EFT) participation, adherence to 8 U.S.C.§ 1324b(a)(3)(B) regarding hiring of lawful permanent residents, and an FBI fingerprint and/or background check. Employees of the United States Courts are not included in the government’s Civil Service classification and are considered “at will” employees. The Court reserves the right to change the conditions of this vacancy announcement, or to withdraw the announcement, any of which may occur without prior written or other notice.

Relevant legal work experience also could include paralegal employment before law school.

Normal working hours are from 8:00 am to 5:30 pm (in person) unless the workload requires additional hours.

Application Info

Applicants must apply through OSCAR. Through OSCAR, each applicant should provide:

  • Application form AO78 - All applicants must also complete the  “Optional Background Information” section of the AO78 (page 5) for consideration.
  • Cover letter
  • Current resume
  • Writing sample
  • College and law school transcripts
  • Contact information for three professional references

Please do not send any application materials to us through any other means, including in hard copy or via email. Only qualified applicants will be considered for an interview for this position. Applicants who do not submit all required materials, as stated in the How to Apply section of the vacancy announcement, will not be considered.

The federal Judiciary is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer.