Job Details for Term Law Clerk for a District Judge
| Court Name/Organization | North Carolina Western District Court |
| Overview of the Position | Applications are invited for the position of term law clerk to U.S. District Judge Matthew E. Orso based in the Charlotte division of the U.S. District Court for the Western District of North Carolina. This position is anticipated to cover a one- to two-year term (preference is a two-year term, but will consider a one-year term) beginning August 2026. |
| Location | Charlotte, NC |
| Opening and Closing Dates | 01/26/2026 - Open Until Filled |
| Appointment Type | Permanent |
| Classification Level/Grade | JS 11 - JS 13 |
| Salary | $75,587 - $107,733 |
| Link to Court Careers Information | https://www.ncwd.uscourts.gov/employment |
| Announcement Number | JA 26-01 |
| Link to Job Announcement | |
Position Description
Principal duties of the position include:
- Researching substantive issues of federal and state law.
- Drafting legal documents addressing various issues arising in civil and criminal matters.
- Assisting the judge in preparing for hearings, trials, and other proceedings.
- Presenting issues to the judge and explaining (orally and in writing) the proposed recommendation and any choices to be made.
- Interacting with other court personnel, attorneys, and/or litigants.
- Performing administrative and other duties as assigned.
Qualifications
The following educational and professional qualifications are required:
- A juris doctor degree awarded by a law school accredited by the American Bar Association.
- Strong academic credentials.
- Superior analytical ability and outstanding legal research and writing skills (participation in law review preferred).
- Highly proficient computer and word processing skills.
Preference may be given for experience in a prior federal clerkship or other comparable position, standing in the upper one-third of the applicant’s law school class, participation in law review or moot court activities, and experience in the practice of law, particularly in the areas of civil litigation and criminal defense.
Candidates must also possess the following personal skills and characteristics:
- Excellent interpersonal skills, including the ability to communicate courteously and effectively, both orally and in writing.
- Superior organizational skills, including the ability to work independently on multiple tasks in a high-volume environment.
- A high level of maturity, being accountable and exercising good character and judgment.
- Exceptional integrity and professionalism, including with respect to work product, attitude, and demeanor.
Employee Benefits
The Judiciary offers several exceptional benefits to its employees. As a Judiciary employee, the successful candidate may be eligible to participate in the following benefits programs:
- Health insurance
- Dental and vision insurance
- Life insurance
- 13 Federal holidays per year
- Flexible spending accounts (medical and dependent care)
- Commuter benefit program
Additional information about Federal Judiciary benefits and compensation can be found on the U.S. Courts website.
Miscellaneous
Principal duties of the position include:
- Researching substantive issues of federal and state law.
- Drafting legal documents addressing various issues arising in civil and criminal matters.
- Assisting the judge in preparing for hearings, trials, and other proceedings.
- Presenting issues to the judge and explaining (orally and in writing) the proposed recommendation and any choices to be made.
- Interacting with other court personnel, attorneys, and/or litigants.
- Performing administrative and other duties as assigned.
Application Info
Incomplete application packages will not be considered. Applicants must submit the following;
- Cover letter and résumé (including day and evening telephone numbers).
- AO78 Application for Federal Judicial Branch Employment. This is located on the court’s website.
- Law school transcript/grade sheet.
- One unedited writing sample of at least five pages.**
- Minimum of two letters of recommendation.
Complete applications should be submitted via e-mail to mary_grob@ncwd.uscourts.gov. All application materials should be sent as a single PDF document. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled. Please reference Job Announcement # 26-01.
**The submitted writing sample should be the applicant’s own work and should not reflect significant revision or edits by others. To the extent the applicant is unable to provide an unedited writing sample, the applicant shall clearly so state and provide an explanation.
The federal Judiciary is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer.