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Job Details for Judicial Term Law Clerk to U.S. Bankruptcy Judge Laura L. Kulm Ask

Court Name/Organization South Dakota Bankruptcy Court
Overview of the Position The judicial term law clerk provides legal support to U.S. Bankruptcy Court Judge Laura Kulm Ask. The successful candidate will serve as one of two law clerks supporting the work of the judge and the court. The position may be a one-year term, beginning August 2027, with the possibility of renewal (based solely on the judge’s discretion).
Location Sioux Falls, SD
Opening and Closing Dates 01/06/2026 - 04/30/2026
Appointment Type Permanent
Classification Level/Grade 11/1 - 13/1
Salary $74,687 - $106,437
Link to Court Careers Information https://www.sdd.uscourts.gov/
Announcement Number 26-01
Link to Job Announcement

Position Description

  • Reviewing pleadings filed with the court to determine the issues involved and the basis for relief.
  • Reviewing dockets and monitoring the progress of matters.
  • Reviewing and potentially screening motions and drafting orders for the judge’s review.
  • Drafting bench memorandums for the judge’s consideration.
  • Performing extensive legal research, proofreading orders and opinions while verifying citations, and drafting legal documents such as orders, memorandums, and opinions.
  • Assisting with case management responsibilities, including preparation for conferences and general docket management tasks.
  • Attending hearings and trials, and assisting the judge during these proceedings.
  • Maintaining liaison between the court and litigants, including communicating with counsel.
  • Keeping abreast of changes in the law and briefing the judge on them.
  • Performing miscellaneous administrative duties and other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

The candidate must be a U.S. citizen or eligible to work in the United States, a graduate from a law school of recognized standing by the American Bar Association or the Association of American Law Schools, and have one or more of the following attributes:

  • Standing within the upper one-third of the candidate’s law school class.
  • Experience writing for a law review or on a moot court, externship or clinical program.
  • Demonstrated proficiency in legal studies which, in the opinion of the judge, is equivalent to one of the above. The determination of an acceptable equivalence rests solely with the judge.

Preferred Qualifications

  • An academic background in bankruptcy or secured transactions coursework.
  • Excellent legal research and writing skills.
  • Ability to effectively communicate, both orally and in writing.
  • Good organizational, computer, and word processing skills.
  • Ability to work effectively and well with others in a team-based environment.
  • Ability to maintain confidentiality, uphold the court’s ethical rules and exhibit good judgment, maturity, dependability, and responsibility.
  • Ability to manage time and prioritize tasks to meet deadlines.

Employee Benefits

The position falls within the Judicial Branch of the U.S. government and includes most federal benefits. A term law clerk is not eligible to participate in the Federal Employee Retirement System or the Thrift Savings Plan. A term law clerk is not classified under Civil Service but is entitled to similar benefits as other federal employees. These benefits include:

  • 11 paid holidays.
  • Optional participation in choice of health plans, dental and vision insurance programs, group life insurance program, long-term care insurance, and pre-tax flexible spending account plan for certain expenses.

Miscellaneous

  • Reviewing pleadings filed with the court to determine the issues involved and the basis for relief.
  • Reviewing dockets and monitoring the progress of matters.
  • Reviewing and potentially screening motions and drafting orders for the judge’s review.
  • Drafting bench memorandums for the judge’s consideration.
  • Performing extensive legal research, proofreading orders and opinions while verifying citations, and drafting legal documents such as orders, memorandums, and opinions.
  • Assisting with case management responsibilities, including preparation for conferences and general docket management tasks.
  • Attending hearings and trials, and assisting the judge during these proceedings.
  • Maintaining liaison between the court and litigants, including communicating with counsel.
  • Keeping abreast of changes in the law and briefing the judge on them.
  • Performing miscellaneous administrative duties and other duties as assigned.

Application Info

Persons interested in this position should submit the following application materials in PDF format to SDB_Jobs@sdb.uscourts.gov:

Applicants selected for an interview may also be asked to provide a list of references prior to the interview.

The federal Judiciary is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer.