Description:
Position Summary:The United States Bankruptcy Court for the District of Maryland, is seeking applicants to fill one judicial law clerk position that will begin on or after August 3, 2026. This is a temporary position not to exceed (NTE) September 30, 2027. Funding for this position has been approved for the remainder of Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 (Aug. and Sep. 2026) for FY 2027 (Oct. 1, 2026 through Sept. 30, 2027). Please note that FY 2027 funding is subject to possible reductions in the judiciary's interim and final financial plans. Any applicants with questions about the funding for this position are encouraged to call Chief Deputy Thomas Kearns at 410-962-7806.
Representative Duties:
- The judicial law clerk is primarily responsible for researching a variety of legal issues, writing memoranda, drafting opinions, and assisting in case management. The judicial law clerk also provides counsel to judges and members of chambers staff on legal matters affecting the administration of bankruptcy laws, and performs other duties as assigned by the judges.
- The judicial law clerk will work primarily on matters filed by self-represented (“pro se”) parties. In particular, the judicial law clerk will work on that subset of cases involving highly litigious pro se parties, involving the most complex pro se cases, to efficiently manage and administer these cases, and to assist the court in developing durable procedural responses to these cases, including the development of uniform case-management tools, administrative orders and local bankruptcy rules.
Qualifications:
- Applicants must be a law school graduate and possess excellent research, writing and computer skills. Proficiency in MS Office, Westlaw and Lexis and advanced proficiency in Word is
- required along with a professional demeanor and exceptional organizational, interpersonal, and communication skills. Applicants must be admitted to practice law in at least one state or scheduled to take the Bar Exam.
- Bar membership and at least one year of experience are required for salary placement above a JSP 11.
Preferred Qualifications:
Prior bankruptcy practice experience or training is preferred. Experience on the editorial board of law review or moot court/and or publication of noteworthy articles is desired.
Benefits:
Judicial Branch employees are “at will” employees and are not subject to the employment regulations of competitive service. However, benefits are similar and include paid annual and sick leave, eleven paid holidays per year, health and life insurance, a flexible benefits program, and a professional work environment. Salary will be based upon experience and qualifications in accordance with JSP guidelines.
Conditions of Employment:
Applicants must be United States citizens or lawful permanent residents actively seeking citizenship. As a condition of employment, the selected candidate must successfully complete a background check. Employment will be considered provisional pending the successful completion of the background check and a favorable suitability determination. Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) for payroll deposit is required.