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Job Details for Temporary Pro Se Law Clerk

Court Name/Organization District of New Jersey
Overview of the Position The U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey is seeking two (2) Temporary Pro Se Law Clerks to serve in the Court’s Prisoner Litigation Office (PLO) for a term beginning July 13, 2026, and concluding Sept. 30, 2027. The Chief Judge serves as the appointing authority for all Pro Se Law Clerk positions, with the Senior Pro Se Law Clerk responsible for overseeing case assignments and workflow management. Subject to budgetary approval and satisfactory performance, these positions may be extended beyond Sept. 30, 2027. Pro Se Law Clerks assist the Court with substantive legal research, analysis, and procedural review in prisoner civil litigation matters filed with or without counsel. This includes state and federal prisoner habeas corpus petitions, civil rights actions, and immigration-related matters.
Location Trenton, NJ
Opening and Closing Dates 05/20/2026 - Open Until Filled
Appointment Type Temporary
Classification Level/Grade JS 11 - JS 13
Salary Not specified
Announcement Number 26-09
Link to Job Announcement

Position Description

Representative Duties
Responsibilities of this position include, but are not limited to:

  • Conduct substantive review and screening of petitions, complaints, and related filings
  • Draft proposed opinions and orders for review by District Judges, including motions to dismiss, motions for summary judgment, and final habeas corpus opinions
  • Monitor and manage case dockets to ensure the timely progression of matters
  • Provide legal research, guidance, and support to judges and chambers law clerks on issues relating to prisoner litigation and pro se matters
  • Compile statistical data and prepare periodic reports regarding case status and workflow
  • Perform other duties as assigned, including attendance at court proceedings and hearings as needed

Some travel within the district may be required.

Qualifications

Ideal candidates are law school graduates who have:

  • At least one year of legal work experience following receipt of a Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree
  • A strong academic background with demonstrated excellence in legal research, analysis, and writing
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to interact professionally and effectively with a diverse group of individuals in person, by telephone, and through email correspondence
  • Strong organizational and time-management skills, including the ability to manage multiple assignments and projects simultaneously
  • Ability to work efficiently under strict deadlines in a fast-paced environment
  • Demonstrated maturity, sound judgment, professionalism, and a commitment to maintaining high ethical standards
  • Ability to work both independently and collaboratively as part of a team, while maintaining a positive and professional attitude

Note: The outside practice of law is prohibited, except as permitted under the Code of Conduct for Judicial Employee

General Experience

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Working knowledge of prisoner litigation, constitutional law, and federal court procedures preferred
  • Federal judicial clerkship experience and at least two years of legal work experience in a high-volume, production-oriented environment are highly desirable
  • Prior experience handling prisoner litigation matters is preferred

Employee Benefits

To learn more about the Judiciary’s benefits: https://www.uscourts.gov/careers/benefits

Application Info

Qualified applicants must submit the following application materials electronically as a single PDF document: 

  1. A cover letter explaining your qualifications for this position
  2. An updated resume
  3. A writing sample
  4. Three professional references
  5. A completed AO78 Application for Judicial Branch Federal Employment

Please submit the above required documents to the attention of Ms. Robin A. Newman, Esq., Human Resources Manager via the Court’s Recruitment Database.

The federal Judiciary is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer.