Pro Se Law Clerk

U.S. Courts

Pittsburgh, PA

JobSummary

Pro Se Law Clerks provide legal advice and assistance to the Court in connection with prisoner petitions and complaints. The Pro Se Law Clerk works primarily on prisoner habeas corpus and civil rights actions, and cases in which a plaintiff applies for in forma pauperis (IFP) status. This appointment and continued employment are determined on a year to year basis and is subject to funding based upon the court's caseload.

LowGrade

HighGrade

PromotionPotential

None

SubAgencyName

United States District Court, Western District of Pennsylvania

OrganizationCodes

JL/JL02

Relocation

False

HiringPath

public

MCOTags

TotalOpenings

AgencyMarketingStatement

The District's jurisdiction encompasses the 25 western counties of Pennsylvania, with courthouses located in Erie, Johnstown and Pittsburgh. The District is comprised of United States District Judges, United States Senior District Judges, United States Magistrate Judges and approximately 145 employees.

TravelCode

MajorDuties

REPRESENTATIVE DUTIES: Performs substantive screening after filing of all prisoner and inmate petitions and motions, including state habeas corpus petitions, motions to vacate sentence, and civil rights complaints. Drafts appropriate recommendations and proposed orders for the Court's review. Reviews filed complaints, petitions, and pleadings to determine issues involved and basis for relief. Performs research, as required, to assist the Court in preparing opinions. Maintains liaison between the Court and litigants. Evaluates present procedures to determine new innovations for increasing the effectiveness in handling pro se complaints, petitions, and pleadings. Reviews the docket of pending prisoner and inmate litigation to assure the proper progress of such cases and advises the Court of those cases where action by the Court is appropriate. Compiles statistics and prepares periodic reports, as required, that reflect the status and flow of cases. Identifies problem areas, makes recommendations, and offers solutions, as required by the Court, Administrative Office, and other officials. Keeps abreast of changes in the law in the pro se area. Provides information, guidance, and advice to the Court and other staff working in the pro se area. Advises appropriate personnel on the status of cases. Performs other related duties as assigned.

Education

Must be a law school graduate (or be certified as having completed all law school studies and requirements and merely awaiting conferment of degree) from a law school of recognized standing and have demonstrated one of the following accomplishments or proficiencies: a) Standing within the upper one-third of the class at a law school that is accredited by the American Bar Association or the Association of American Law Schools; b) Experience on the editorial board of a law review of such a school; c) Graduation from such a school with an LLM degree; or d) Proficiency in legal studies that, in the opinion of the appointing judge, is the equivalent of one of the above. Some examples of criteria that are considered to be acceptable as equivalent include, but are not limited to: Publication of a noteworthy article in a law school student publication or other scholarly publication; Special high-level honors for academic excellence in law school, such as election to the Order of the Coif; Winning of a moot court competition or membership on a moot court team that represents the law school in competition with other law schools; Participation in the legal aid or other law school clinical program sanctioned by the law school;* or Summer experience as a law clerk to a state or local judge or law clerk experience on a continuing basis in a private firm while attending school (i.e., working one's way through college).* *To receive credit, participation and experience could not have been for academic credit.

Requirements

Applicants must be U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents seeking U.S. citizenship. This position is classified as a sensitive position which requires the selected candidate to submit to a background investigation which will include a criminal history, credit and FBI fingerprint check as a condition of employment with periodic updates. The selected candidate will be hired provisionally pending the successful completion of the required background check and favorable employment suitability determination. Employees must adhere to a Code of Conduct (https://www.uscourts.gov/administration-policies/judiciary-policies/ethics-policies/code-conduct-judicial-employees).

Evaluations

We will review your resume and supporting documents to ensure you meet the basic qualification requirements. We will evaluate each applicant who meets the basic qualifications on the information provided and evaluate your relevant professional, educational, and work experiences as it relates to fundamental competencies, identified in the Qualifications section above, required for this position.

HowToApply

Apply only through the court's online application tracking system which is accessed at the Employment Section (Court Info) of the Western District of Pennsylvania website: Click here This position is open until filled with preference given to those applications received by April 13, 2026. Position available October 1, 2026.

WhatToExpectNext

Applicants will receive an email confirmation upon receipt. Incomplete applications will not be considered. Only candidates selected for interview will be notified and must travel at their own expense. Relocation expenses will not be reimbursed.

RequiredDocuments

Cover Letter Resume Completed Application for Judicial Branch Federal Employment, AO78, which can be downloaded when applying or Click here. See 'How to Apply' for instructions.

Benefits

Employees are eligible for a full range of benefits to include retirement, health and life insurance, flexible benefits, long-term care insurance, paid holidays, and annual and sick leave accrual. Click here for additional information. The Court offers Public Transit Subsidy in accordance with local policy and dependent upon availability of funding.

OtherInformation

The Court provides reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities. Veterans' preference is not a factor used in Judicial Branch appointments. Positions with the U.S. Courts are excepted service appointments, which are "at will" and may be terminated with or without cause. Employees are required to use electronic funds transfer for payroll deposit. The court reserves the right to modify the conditions of this job announcement, to withdraw the job announcement, and/or to commence interviews immediately, any of which may occur without prior written or other notice. In the event a position becomes vacant in a similar classification within a reasonable time from the original announcement, the Court may select an appointee from the candidates who responded to the initial announcement without posting the vacancy. Telework/Remote Opportunities: Employees may be eligible for telework opportunities as outlined in the Court's Telework Policy. Click here to view a brief video about legal professionals working in the Courts. The United States District Court, Western District of Pennsylvania, is an Equal Opportunity Employer and values diversity in the workplace.

KeyRequirements

WithinArea

False

CommuteDistance

ServiceType

AnnouncementClosingType

AgencyContactEmail

pawd@resume.uscourts.gov

SecurityClearance

Not Required

DrugTestRequired

False