Description:
Representative DutiesThis vacancy is for a term law clerk to United States District Judge Sheri Polster Chappell. Law clerks have full responsibility for their assigned civil and criminal cases. They review complaints for jurisdiction, draft proposed orders, conduct legal research, manage the daily activity of assigned civil cases, serve as a legal advisor on pending litigation, assist with and attend court proceedings, and perform other duties as needed.
The caseload in the jurisdiction is heavy, and the cases presented vary in type. So qualified candidates must be able to produce exceptional work under demanding time constraints. Good character, sound judgment, professional communication, strong work ethic, and kindness are required.
Although the nature of the work is serious, the office environment is personable. There is daily interaction with Judge Chappell and the other law clerks. The law clerks must work harmoniously and communicate effectively with Judge Chappell, the co-clerks, and other courthouse staff.
Minimum Qualification Requirements:
At the time of appointment, the selected candidate must be licensed to practice law and have at least one-year of post-law school experience in litigation (clerking, private practice, or other government work). Experience on law review, mock trial, and moot court is preferred but not required. Prior judicial clerkship experience is preferred.
Applicants must be a United States citizen or eligible to work here. The selected candidate must pass a background check as a condition of employment and use electronic fund transfer for payroll deposit.
Information for Applicants
The clerkship is available starting Fall 2026. While interested candidates must commit to a 2-year clerkship, Judge Chappell will evaluate the employment relationship after 1 year. At Judge Chappell's discretion, a term law clerk may be employed a maximum of 4 years.
Starting salary will be commensurate with work experience and prior pay history. Employment with the United States District Court offers generous benefits. Visit OPM.gov for more information about benefits and eligibility.
Applicants must submit a cover letter explaining their interest in this clerkship, resume, official or unofficial law school transcripts, two self-edited writing samples, and list of three professional references with telephone contact numbers in one PDF file through the posting on www.governmentjobs.com/careers/flmd. The application file must be named "last name, first name" (e.g. Smith, John).
All resumes will be considered when received. Selected interviews will be scheduled until the position is filled. Because of the volume of applications usually received, receipt of individual applications will not be acknowledged.
The United States Government Is an Equal
Opportunity Employer
