Pro Se Law Clerk
U.S. District Court & U.S. Probation Office
Raleigh, NC
Full-time
Legal
Posted on March 1, 2020
Position Overview
The United States District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina is accepting applications for a full-time Pro Se Law Clerk position in Raleigh, NC. This position provides legal advice and assistance to the court in connection with pro se prisoner and non-prisoner petitions and complaints.
This position is being advertised at the JSP 11 - 14. Applications that are received by the initial cut-off date of March 20, 2020, will be given first consideration.
This position is being advertised at the JSP 11 - 14. Applications that are received by the initial cut-off date of March 20, 2020, will be given first consideration.
Representative Duties
The Pro Se Law Clerk performs duties and responsibilities which include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Performs substantive screening before and after the filing of all prisoner petitions and complaints, including state and federal habeas corpus petitions and civil rights complaints
- Reviews all complaints, petitions, and pleadings that have been filed to identify issues involved and basis for relief
- Performs substantive screening of other pro se litigation
- Drafts appropriate recommendations and dispositive orders for the court's signature
- Conducts research to assist the court in preparing opinions
- Maintains liaison between the court and litigants
- Reviews the docket of pending prisoner litigation to assure the timely progression of such cases in order to meet all deadlines and advises the court of those cases where action by the court is appropriate
- Prepares non-dispositive and dispositive orders
- Assists the court with hearings, conferences, trials, and other proceedings
- Compiles statistics and prepares periodic reports, as required, which reflect the status and flow of cases
- Evaluates present procedures to determine new innovations for increasing the effectiveness of handling complaints, petitions, and pleadings
- Identifies problem areas, makes recommendations, and offers solutions, as required by the court, Administrative Office, and other officials
- Keeps abreast of changes in the law to aid the court in adjusting to new legislation in the pro se area
- Performs other duties as assigned
Qualifications
To qualify for the position of pro se law clerk, the individual must be a law school graduate (or certified as having completed all law school studies and requirements and merely awaiting conferment of degree). In addition, the applicant must have excellent academic credentials, as well as superior research, writing, proofreading, organization, and communication skills. The applicant must possess proficient typing and personal computer skills and be competent in WordPerfect, Microsoft Word, Adobe Acrobat, and additional Windows-based applications. Desirable qualifications include: detail oriented, reliable, ability to work independently, and with others. A judicial employee must maintain a professional appearance and demeanor at all times.
Please visit our website for complete information on requirements and how to apply.