Job Details for Death Penalty Law Clerk
| Court Name/Organization | Texas Eastern District Court |
| Overview of the Position | The U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Texas is a public service organization focused on providing exceptional customer service to the court, members of the legal community, and the general public. Currently, we are seeking a highly motivated and experienced individual to serve as a part-time Death Penalty Law Clerk. There are seven offices within the Eastern District of Texas: Beaumont, Lufkin, Marshall, Plano, Sherman, Texarkana and Tyler. The duty station is in the Tyler office. |
| Location | Tyler, Beaumont, Lufkin, Marshall, Plano, Sherman, Texarkana, Remote, TX |
| Opening and Closing Dates | 11/26/2025 - Open Until Filled |
| Appointment Type | Permanent |
| Classification Level/Grade | Grade Range: JSP 11-14 |
| Salary | $36,969 - $87,998 |
| Link to Court Careers Information | https://txed.uscourts.gov/career-opportunities |
| Announcement Number | 2025-18 |
| Link to Job Announcement | |
Position Description
This position involves working directly with judges on managing death penalty, prisoner civil rights and habeas corpus cases. Duties include writing draft orders and managing pro se cases. The death penalty law clerk independently conducts legal research, reviews case records/filings and drafts proposed opinions, memorandum decisions and orders. This position provides objective advice to judges, chambers and court staff and provides information to litigants and attorneys. In addition, the death penalty law clerk works closely with judges assisting with various pretrial conferences and trials.
Qualifications
Minimum Qualifications
At the time of appointment, the candidate must be a law school graduate with strong academic credentials, be a licensed attorney (out-of-state license acceptable) and be proficient in computer assisted research, word processing and spreadsheet applications, requisite court programs and automated case management systems. To qualify for this position, the candidate must also possess superior research and writing skills, exhibit strong analytical ability and demonstrate excellent verbal, written and interpersonal skills. The candidate must also be able to maintain confidentiality, handle sensitive information and exercise discretion at all times. Demonstrated skill in providing excellent customer service is necessary, and a successful candidate will exhibit the qualities of judgment, temperament, integrity, trustworthiness and strong character required of an officer of the judiciary. Prior death penalty and/or civil litigation experience is desirable.
Employee Benefits
The U.S. District Court falls within the Judicial Branch of the U.S. Government. Judiciary employees serve under “Excepted Appointment” and are considered “at-will” employees. As such, employment may be terminated by either the employer or the employee with or without cause. Federal Civil Service classifications/regulations do not apply; however, court employees are entitled to similar benefits as other federal employees. These benefits include paid holidays and annual/sick leave accrual, and participation in the Federal Employees’ Retirement System which contributes to the Social Security Retirement Program; the Federal Employees’ Health Benefits Program; the Federal Employees’ Group Life Insurance Program; and the Thrift Savings Plan (similar to a 401k plan with employer matching contributions). See the U.S. Courts website for an overview of Federal Judiciary benefits.
Miscellaneous
This position involves working directly with judges on managing death penalty, prisoner civil rights and habeas corpus cases. Duties include writing draft orders and managing pro se cases. The death penalty law clerk independently conducts legal research, reviews case records/filings and drafts proposed opinions, memorandum decisions and orders. This position provides objective advice to judges, chambers and court staff and provides information to litigants and attorneys. In addition, the death penalty law clerk works closely with judges assisting with various pretrial conferences and trials.
Application Info
Any qualified applicant should send a cover letter (including a narrative statement of the applicant’s background), a Judicial Branch Federal Employment (AO 78) application with Optional Background Information (provided in response to questions 19, 20, and 21), and a resume. The cover letter should be addressed to:
Diana Velez, Human Resources Manager
William M. Steger Federal Building and United States Courthouse
211 West Ferguson Street, Room 106
Tyler, Texas 75702
An application form can be obtained on our web page at: www.txed.uscourts.gov. All documents should be submitted as a single pdf with the reference number (2025-18 Death Penalty Law Clerk) in the subject line via e-mail to: hr@txed.uscourts.gov.
Incomplete applications will not be considered. Applicants will be screened for qualifications and only the most qualified applicants will be contacted and selected for personal interviews. Skill and knowledge testing may be administered to candidates who progress beyond the initial interview process. Expenses associated with interviews or relocation will not be reimbursed.
The federal Judiciary is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer.