Legal Career Center

INTRODUCTION
The U.S. District Court, District of Minnesota is seeking a part-time (20-hours per week) Pro Se Law Clerk. The Pro Se Law Clerk will work primarily with prisoner habeas corpus and civil rights actions, and cases in which a plaintiff applies for in forma pauperis (IFP) status.
This position is subject to funding based on caseload. Based on current data, funding for the position is expected to last at least until December 2024, and may be renewed thereafter, depending upon availability of funds.

REPRESENTATIVE DUTIES
• Conduct substantive review and screening of all new prisoner pleadings, (habeas corpus petitions and civil rights complaints) and all new cases in which a plaintiff files an IFP application, and make recommendations for appropriate disposition.
• Perform research and prepare draft orders, reports, and recommendations.
• Assist with IFP applications for appeals.
• Provide advice to Clerk’s Office and Chambers staff on prisoner cases and IFP matters.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

ENVIRONMENTAL DEMANDS
• Work is performed in an office setting.
• Some travel may be required.

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT
Applicants must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents seeking U.S. citizenship. Noncitizens must execute an affidavit indicating their intent to apply for citizenship when they become eligible to do so. Judiciary employees serve under excepted appointments, and are considered “at-will” and may be terminated with or without cause or notice by the court.
New employees engaging in work for the District of Minnesota are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. Proof of vaccination will be required prior to entrance on duty. Contact Human Resources to discuss exemption requests.
The U.S. District Court requires employees to adhere to the Code of Conduct for Judicial Employees. This position is also subject to mandatory Electronic Fund Transfer (EFT) for payroll deposit.
The final candidate is subject to FBI Fingerprinting and a background investigation, including criminal history. Employment is provisional and contingent upon a successful background check.

BENEFITS
• The opportunity to serve in a rewarding public service position.
• Accrual of paid vacation and sick leave.
• 11 Paid federal holidays.
• Extensive health, life, dental, vision, and long-term care insurance plans.
• A defined benefit pension plan.
• On-site fitness centers.
• Traditional (pre-tax) and Roth (after-tax) retirement savings and investment plans through the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) with employer matching contributions.
• Pre-tax transportation, medical, and childcare reimbursement accounts.
• Subsidized transit program.
• Telework, alternative work schedules, and other workplace flexibilities.
• Extensive on-line training options.
Employees of the U.S. District Court are not classified under Civil Service.

APPLICATION INFORMATION AND PROCESS
All application materials received will be reviewed to identify the best qualified candidates. Only applications completed in entirety, using our electronic on-line database, will be considered for this opportunity.
Applications must be submitted through our on-line application system: https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/mnduscourts

POSITION REQUIREMENTS AND QUALIFICATIONS
• A J.D. degree with standing in the upper one-third of the class from a law school that is accredited by the American Bar Association.
• Law review experience, moot court experience, publication of a noteworthy article in a law school publication or other scholarly publication, or prior legal employment is preferred.
• A background in prisoner habeas corpus and civil rights actions, and knowledge of the Prison Litigation Reform Act and the Anti-Terrorism and Effective Death Penalty Act are preferred.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills are required.
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to prioritize work are required.