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Job Details for Death Penalty Law Clerk

Court Name/Organization Florida Northern District Court
Overview of the Position The U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida is seeking highly qualified applicants for a part-time death penalty law clerk position (20 hours per week). The death penalty law clerk assists the Court with the review and management of state death penalty habeas corpus petitions, motions to vacate federal death sentences, and prisoner civil rights cases. Funding for this position is reviewed annually and is based on case filings. The position will be filled in either the Tallahassee, Pensacola, or Gainesville divisional office. Telework may be considered in exceptional circumstances.
Location Pensacola, Tallahassee, Gainesville, FL
Opening and Closing Dates 07/01/2026 - Open Until Filled
Appointment Type Permanent
Classification Level/Grade JSP 11 - JSP 14
Salary $37,339 - $81,757
Announcement Number 26-05

Position Description

Representative Duties

  • Review, calendar, and manage death penalty litigation and assigned prisoner rights cases;
  • Substantively screen petitions and complaints, monitor dockets to assure the timely progress of cases, review case filings and trial court records;
  • Perform legal research and analysis, keep abreast of developments in applicable capital habeas law;
  • Prepare appropriate recommendations, draft orders, legal memoranda, and correspondence;
  • Communicate about cases with other courts, state and federal agencies, counsel, and pro se litigants;
  • Provide information and guidance to judges and court staff on legal issues unique to capital habeas and prisoner rights cases;
  • Compile statistics and prepare periodic reports to reflect the status of cases; and
  • Perform other duties as assigned.

The federal Judiciary is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer.