Pro Se Staff Attorney

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Job Specifications
Classification Level: 
JSP 11/01- JSP 14/10
Salary Range: 
$86,199-$188,733
Location: 
Los Angeles
Opening Date: 
Tuesday, November 25, 2025
Closing Date: 
Open until filled
Number of Positions: 
One
Vacancy Number: 
25-55
Job Type: 
Full Time
Position Overview: 

The United States District Court for the Central District of California invites applications for the position of Pro Se Staff Attorney.  A Pro Se Staff Attorney works under the supervision of United States Magistrate Judges.  Duties of the position include drafting legal memoranda, reports and recommendations, decisions, and orders.  The position will also involve analyzing statutes and legal issues in federal habeas corpus, civil rights and social security disability matters.  A Pro Se Staff Attorney works with several United States Magistrate Judges in multi-week rotations and may work on cases filed in any of the Court’s divisional courthouses.

Pro Se Staff Attorney positions are subject to available funding, dependent upon annual court filings.  Judicial Court Services reviews court files annually to determine funding for the positions, which may lead “understrength” or “overstrength” in the positions allotted.  If the district is in an “overstrength” position, it may require our district to reduce the number of Pro Se Staff Attorneys positions.

 

Skills/Qualifications: 

The candidate must possess the following minimum requirements:     

  • Graduate of an ABA accredited law school with excellent academic credentials;
  • Bar Membership;
  • Exceptional writing and research skills;
  • Superior analytical ability;
  • Proficiency in computer and word processing skills;
  • Strong time management skills;
  • Excellent oral and written communication skills; and
  • The highest standards of excellence and integrity.

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Legal experience in one or more of the following areas:  Civil rights; habeas corpus; social security disability; and criminal appellate law.
  • Prior litigation experience or significant motion practice at a top-tier law firm or public agency.

 

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.

In addition to salary, the federal government’s benefits equate to no less than 33% of an employee’s total compensation (see Total Compensation sample below).  Federal employees are entitled to federal benefits such as health, dental, vision, life insurance, long-term disability insurance, long-term care insurance and flexible spending accounts. Participation in a defined benefit plan the Federal Employees Retirement System-Further Revised Annuity Employee (FERS-FRAE), and up to 5% matching contributions on retirement savings through the Thrift Savings Plan (401k equivalent). Generous accrual of paid time vacation and sick leave and 11 paid holidays per year.  Paid parental leave after meeting eligibility requirements.  Eligible for the Public Student Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program on eligible student loans.  Commuter subsidies for public transportation to and from work. Extensive online training options and in-person training and professional conferences, funds permitting.

 

Employer Provided Benefits - Total Compensation Approximation Sample (For Illustration Purposes Only)

Sample Annual Salary

$  60,000.00

Retirement Benefits

$  17,760.00

Health/Life Insurance & Commuter Reimbursement

$  15,494.00

Paid Time-Off (Holidays & Accrued Leave)

$    8,538.00

Total Compensation

$101,792.00

 

Information for Applicants: 

Must be a U.S. citizen or a lawful permanent resident with authorization to work in the United States who is currently seeking U.S. citizenship or intending to become a U.S. citizen immediately after meeting the eligibility requirements.  As a condition of employment, the successful candidate is required to undergo an FBI background check.  The Federal Financial Reform Act requires direct deposit of federal wages for employees.  The United States District Court and the Probation and Pretrial Services Office requires employees to adhere to the Code of Conduct for Federal Judicial Employees, which is available on the Court’s website: www.cacd.uscourts.gov

HOW TO APPLY

Applications should be submitted electronically to apply_CACD@cacd.uscourts.gov.  Documents must be in Microsoft Word or PDF format, and the email should reference the vacancy number.  Complete applications must include the following:

  1. Cover Letter;
  2. Resume
  3. Two Recent Writing Samples
  4. Law School Transcripts
  5. Name and Contact of Three References
  6. Application for Federal Branch Employment (visit the court’s website at www.cacd.uscourts.gov to download the job application)

Due to the volume of applications received, the Court will only communicate with those individuals who will be interviewed. Applicants scheduled to interview should advise the Human Resources staff if any accommodation will be necessary to interview. Unfortunately, the Court is unable to reimburse applicants for any travel or parking costs.

The Court reserves the right to modify the conditions of this announcement, commence interviews immediately, withdraw the announcement, or fill the position at any time, any of which actions may occur without notice.

The Federal Judiciary is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer.