Career Law Clerk

Summary The United States District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia invites applications for the position of Career Law Clerk for United States District Judge Arenda L. Wright Allen. This position is available October 1, 2025, and is a permanent law clerk position rather than a term or temporary law clerk position. Requirements Conditions of Employment Employees must be United States citizens or eligible to work in the United States. Employees are required to adhere to the Code of Conduct for Judicial Employees, which is available to applicants to review upon request. Employees of the United States District Court are Excepted Service Appointments. Excepted service appointments are "At-Will" and can be terminated with or without cause by the Court. Employees will be hired provisionally pending the results of a background investigation. Employees are required to use the Electronic Fund Transfer (EFT) for payroll deposit. The Court reserves the right to modify the conditions of this job announcement, to withdraw the job announcement, or to fill the position sooner than the closing date, if a closing date is shown; any of these actions may occur without any prior written or other type of notice. The United States District Court of the Eastern District of Virginia is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Qualifications A strong work ethic, collaborative spirit, and "can do" and resourceful attitude. The ability to thrive and lift others in an environment that is mission-centered, deadline driven, team-based, and highly dynamic. Demonstrated excellence in performing legal research, writing, and analysis. Extensive skills in computer assisted research, and proficiency in Microsoft Word, Adobe PDF, Outlook, Zoom and Microsoft Teams is required. Strong attention to detail, including meticulous editing skills. Ability and desire to work as part of a team, including being a thought partner for others, and to take collective ownership of the work and well-being of chambers. Exceptional verbal, written, and interpersonal skills, including a demonstrated ability to communicate well and respectfully with persons of diverse backgrounds, identities, and abilities; a talent for adapting quickly and effectively; and awareness of what helps others do their jobs well. Work habits that result in being consistently prepared, very organized, and able to anticipate challenges and propose solutions. The capability to receive feedback well and to provide feedback constructively. Respect for the role of the judiciary within our constitutional structure. At least five years of legal experience after law school (federal judicial law clerk experience is strongly preferred). Eligibility for a Top Secret/SCI level national security clearance. To qualify for JSP-14, an applicant must have at least five years of legal work experience after obtaining a juris doctor degree, and two of the five years must be law clerk experience in the federal judiciary. Education A graduate of an ABA accredited law school with an excellent law school record (top 10%ranking and law review editorial board experience is preferred). Possess a legal license, with Virginia Bar membership preferred but not required. Benefits Review our benefits