Law Clerk to a U.S. District Judge

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Job Specifications
Classification Level: 
JSP 11/01 – JSP 14/01
Salary Range: 
$76,135 - $128,230
Location: 
Los Angeles
Opening Date: 
Monday, July 3, 2023
Closing Date: 
Open Until Filled
Number of Positions: 
One
Vacancy Number: 
23-38
Job Type: 
Full Time
Position Overview: 

The United States District Court, Central District of California, invites applications for the position of Term Law Clerk to the Honorable Maame Ewusi-Mensah Frimpong, United States District Judge. One position is available. The Law Clerk appointment shall begin approximately July 2023. The position has a two-year term, but Judge Frimpong may select a career law clerk from this set of law clerks, once hired.

Representative Responsibilities: 

Principal duties of the position include:

  • Research substantive issues of federal and state law;
  • Draft legal memoranda, opinions and orders;
  • Prepare the Judge for hearings, trials, or mediations;
  • Perform basic administrative desk duties for the Judge;
  • Assist the Judge and Courtroom Deputy Clerk with docket and case management;
  • Generally provide legal counsel and support to the Judge; and
  • Exhibit the highest standards of excellence and integrity.
Skills/Qualifications: 

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Judge Frimpong welcomes applicants with diverse backgrounds and from all law schools.

At the time of appointment, the candidate must possess the following minimum requirements:

  • Graduate of an ABA accredited law school with excellent academic credentials;
  • Exceptional research and writing skills;
  • Keen analytical ability and balanced judgment;
  • Proficiency in computer and word processing skills;
  • Excellent oral and written communication skills;
  • Demonstrated commitment to public service, diversity, and an inclusive work environment;and
  • One year of prior federal clerkship experience or two years of litigation experience (to include significant motion practice).

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

  • Exceptional skills in organization and management of systems and processes
  • Strong interest in all facets of civil litigation;
  • Law review or law journal experience; and
  • Moot court experience.
Compensation and Benefits: 

Compensation will be set based on the experience and qualifications of the successful candidate, subject to the policies and guidelines set forth in the Judicial Salary Plan. Term Law Clerks qualify for federal employees’ group health insurance, life insurance, flexible spending accounts, dental and life insurance. Commuter subsidies are available to employees who utilize public transportation to and from work.

Information for Applicants: 
  • As a condition of employment, the successful candidate is required to undergo an FBI background check. The selectee may be appointed provisionally, with retention dependent upon a favorable suitability determination from the background check.
  • The successful candidate must be a U.S. citizen or a lawful permanent resident of the United States currently seeking citizenship or intending to become a citizen as soon as they meet the eligibility requirements.
  • This position is subject to mandatory electronic fund transfer (direct deposit) participation for payment of net pay.
  • Applicants selected for interview must travel at their own expense or be available to interview via videoconference. Relocation expenses will not be reimbursed.
  • The United States District Court requires employees to adhere to the Code of Conduct for Federal Judicial Employees, which is available on the Court’s website:  http://www.cacd.uscourts.gov.

STATEMENT OF QUALIFICATIONS

Candidates must submit a Statement of Qualifications addressing the topics below.

The Statement of Qualifications must be 12-point font, single-spaced, minimum one-inch margins, and no more than three pages.

  • Experience with issues of cultural competence, sensitivity to and understanding of diverse socioeconomic, gender identity, sexual orientation, abilities, and ethnic backgrounds of people in our community.
  • Experience and education outside the legal profession and how they enabled or encumbered your career and personal growth.
  • Management and leadership experience.
  • Efforts taken to improve our system of justice and increase access to justice.

HOW TO APPLY

Interested applicants should apply through OSCAR: https://oscar.uscourts.gov/.

Due to the volume of applications received, the U.S. District Court will only communicate with those individuals who may be interviewed. References will be contacted after the interview stage.

The Federal Judiciary is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer.