Job Details for Pro Se Staff Attorney
| Court Name/Organization | Virginia Eastern District Court |
| Overview of the Position | The Richmond Division of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia is currently accepting applications for a full-time Pro Se Staff Attorney. The Pro Se Staff Attorney carries primary responsibility for managing Social Security appeals by conducting legal research and preparing draft reports and recommendations, or memorandum opinions and orders, including cases involving self-represented claimants. Core responsibilities include reviewing the administrative law judge’s findings, examining the administrative record and identifying potential issues, analyzing relevant legal questions, drafting proposed reports and recommendations or memorandum opinions, and ensuring adherence to applicable procedural requirements. The position requires a strong working knowledge of Social Security regulations, pertinent federal statutes, and controlling Circuit precedent. The Pro Se Staff Attorney also works closely with the judges and chambers staff to resolve immigration litigation, § 1983 litigation, and post-conviction habeas litigation filed by filed by pro se prisoners. This includes post-conviction death penalty cases. This position involves performing initial case screening, preparing draft orders, and overseeing procedural compliance. This role is particularly critical given the urgent liberty interests at stake, the complexity of the underlying administrative records, and the frequency of self-represented detainees. This requires knowledge of federal immigration, habeas, and § 1983 jurisprudence and governing law. This position is on-site in our Richmond division. Some telework may be considered. Preference given to candidates able to start as soon as possible. |
| Location | Richmond, VA |
| Opening and Closing Dates | 04/10/2026 - Open Until Filled |
| Appointment Type | Permanent |
| Classification Level/Grade | JSP 14 |
| Salary | $131,385 - $170,806 |
| Link to Court Careers Information | https://www.vaed.uscourts.gov/jobs |
| Announcement Number | FY26-17R |
| Link to Job Announcement | |
The federal Judiciary is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer.