Job Details for Judicial Law Clerk
| Court Name/Organization | Florida Middle District Court |
| Location | Fort Myers, FL |
| Opening and Closing Dates | 04/02/2026 - Open Until Filled |
| Appointment Type | Permanent |
| Classification Level/Grade | JS 11 - JS 14 |
| Salary | $74,678 - $125,776 |
| Announcement Number | 26-22 |
| Link to Job Announcement | |
Position Description
These judicial law clerks will manage dockets, research issues of law, write extensively, attend and assist with the preparation for hearings, trials, settlement conferences and other court proceedings, act as advisors on pending litigation, and attend to administration of the chambers for the new U.S. Magistrate Judge in Fort Myers.
The caseload in the jurisdiction is heavy, and the types of cases presented are varied, both civil and criminal, often involving novel issues of law. While the nature of the work is serious, the office environment is personable. There is daily interaction with the Judge, other law clerks and courthouse personnel, as well as frequent contact with counsel for the parties and other members of the legal profession.
At the Judge’s discretion, one of these two clerks may be hired as a career, rather than a term, clerk. While interested candidates must commit to a two-year clerkship, the Judge will evaluate the employment relationship after one year.
Good character and sound judgment, efficient research, analysis and writing, mindfulness for multiple pending deadlines, professional communication, and a service-oriented and collaborative work ethic are essential and required.
Qualifications
Applicants must show a demonstrated commitment to sustained excellence and be law school graduates and members of a bar. Membership in the Florida Bar or a commitment to become a member of the Florida Bar at the earliest opportunity is preferred. Prior clerkship and experience as a litigator in either private or public practice are also preferred, as is participation on law review, academic standing in the upper twenty percent of the class, and participation in moot court or mock trial.
Employee Benefits
Employees of the U.S. Courts serve under excepted appointments and are considered “at-will” employees. They are, however, eligible for a comprehensive federal government benefits package including participation in the Federal Employees Retirement System (career employees), choice of a health benefit plan from several options, dental insurance, life insurance, long term disability insurance, long term care insurance, annual/sick leave, federal holidays, and periodic salary increases. See the U.S. Courts Website for an overview of Federal Judiciary benefits.
Employees are required to use Electronic Fund Transfer (EFT) for payroll deposit.
* Starting salary commensurate with work experience and prior pay history. (Salary may be higher with previous experience as a law clerk to a federal judge.)
Miscellaneous
These judicial law clerks will manage dockets, research issues of law, write extensively, attend and assist with the preparation for hearings, trials, settlement conferences and other court proceedings, act as advisors on pending litigation, and attend to administration of the chambers for the new U.S. Magistrate Judge in Fort Myers.
The caseload in the jurisdiction is heavy, and the types of cases presented are varied, both civil and criminal, often involving novel issues of law. While the nature of the work is serious, the office environment is personable. There is daily interaction with the Judge, other law clerks and courthouse personnel, as well as frequent contact with counsel for the parties and other members of the legal profession.
At the Judge’s discretion, one of these two clerks may be hired as a career, rather than a term, clerk. While interested candidates must commit to a two-year clerkship, the Judge will evaluate the employment relationship after one year.
Good character and sound judgment, efficient research, analysis and writing, mindfulness for multiple pending deadlines, professional communication, and a service-oriented and collaborative work ethic are essential and required.
Application Info
Employment with the U.S. District Court offers civil and criminal law experience at the federal court level, as well as an environment providing significant responsibility and challenge.
To apply:
- Email a cover letter, current resume, transcripts, a list of three professional references with telephone contact numbers, and a self-edited writing sample together as one PDF application file to: resume_orl@flmd.uscourts.gov
- Your PDF application file must be named "last name, first name" (e.g. Smith, John)
- The email subject line must be "attention 26-22”
All resumes will be considered when received. Selected interviews will be scheduled until the position is filled. Due to the volume of applications usually received, receipt of individual applications will not be acknowledged. Calls to chambers to check the status of an application are discouraged.
The federal Judiciary is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer.