Closing Date: 27th November, 2026
Description:
Position Overview, Position Duties and ResponsibilitiesDate: November 13, 2026
Job Announcement No.: 2027-09
No. of Vacancies: One
Position Title: Pro Se Law Clerk
Grade Range: JSP 12/1 – JSP 14/10
Salary Range: $100,059 to $182,790
Closing Date: November 27, 2026
The United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois is now accepting applications for a Pro Se Law Clerk. To receive consideration, applicants must apply through the Court's online applicant tracking system, and submit a cover letter, resume, writing sample, and two professional references. Please see the “Notice to Applicants” section below for instructions on how to apply.
This is a two-year term position that is eligible for renewal dependent on continued case filings.
Position Overview:
The United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois is seeking qualified applicants for a Pro Se Law Clerk. A Pro Se Law Clerk principally provides legal research and assistance to the Court in connection with prisoner petitions and complaints. Duties and responsibilities include screening prisoner complaints and motions; drafting appropriate recommendations and orders for the Court's review; researching issues raised in complaints; keeping abreast of changes in prison law; advising appropriate court personnel on the status of particular cases; and sometimes attending court hearings. Primary duties involve analysis of procedural and substantive issues in pro se prisoner civil rights and habeas corpus cases. The incumbent performs other duties as assigned by the Chief Judge.
Job Requirements and Qualifications:
Applicants must have graduated from law school, hold membership in a state bar, and possess at least one year of legal work experience after earning a J.D. At least one year of legal experience as a law clerk to an Article III Federal Judge is preferred. Knowledge of constitutional law, particularly relating to prison litigation, is especially desirable. Applicants must possess excellent research, writing, and communication skills and must be able to work independently. Preference is given to applicants who have at least a two-year working knowledge of prisoner civil rights and habeas corpus law, and to those with federal law clerk experience.
Compensation:
Compensation and classification level is based on legal experience after receipt of J.D., bar membership, qualifications, and salary history of the successful candidate. JSP Grade 12 requires one year of legal work experience; JSP Grade 13 requires two years of legal work experience; and JSP Grade 14 requires three years of legal work experience.
Notice to Applicants
Consideration is only given to those who apply through the Court's online applicant tracking system and provide a cover letter, resume, and two professional references by November 27, 2026. To view openings and to apply, visit our applicant tracking system at: ILND Jobs (https://www.ilnd.uscourts.gov/careers.php)
Due to the volume of applications received, the Court only communicates with applicants who receive an interview. The Court emails applicants selected for an interview and interviewees must travel for their interview at their own expense. The Court does not reimburse for relocation expenses. The Court screens applicants to determine their experience and qualifications.
The United States District Court requires employees to follow the Code of Conduct for Judicial Employees, which is available upon request. The Court conducts reference checks with current and former employers as part of the screening process. Only qualified applicants qualify for consideration for this position. The selected candidate is subject to an FBI fingerprint check. Unsatisfactory results may result in termination of employment. The selected candidate must adhere to all court policies.
Employees of the District Court, Northern District of Illinois are excepted service appointments. Employees are considered at-will and are not covered by federal civil service classifications or regulations
The United States District Court is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
To be eligible for employment, applicants must meet one of the following requirements:
- U.S. citizen;
- Person who owes allegiance to the U.S. (i.e., nationals of American Samoa, Swains Island, and the Northern Mariana Islands);
- Person admitted as a refugee or granted asylum who has filed a declaration of intention to become a lawful permanent resident and then a citizen when eligible; or
- Lawful permanent resident (i.e., green card holder) who is seeking citizenship. A lawful permanent resident "seeking citizenship":
- May not apply for citizenship until he or she has been a permanent resident for at least five years (three years if seeking naturalization as a spouse of a citizen);
- Must apply for citizenship within six months of becoming eligible; and
- Must complete the process within two years of applying (unless there is a delay caused by the processors of the application).
The Court reserves the right to modify the conditions of this job announcement, or to withdraw the announcement, any of which may occur without prior written or other notice.
