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Job Details for Term Law Clerk

Court Name/Organization Colorado Bankruptcy Court
Overview of the Position This position will be appointed to the chambers of Judge Michael E. Romero for the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the District of Colorado in Denver. The term judicial law clerk researches issues of law, attends court proceedings, and makes recommendations to the assigned judicial officer based on the law. There is daily interaction with the judicial officers and other law clerks concerning legal and court-related issues.
Location Denver, CO
Opening and Closing Dates 01/09/2025 - Open Until Filled
Appointment Type Temporary
Classification Level/Grade JSP 12 - JSP 13
Salary $98,811 - $117,501
Announcement Number 2025-02-USBC
Link to Job Announcement

Position Description

This appointment will be for an initial term of two years and may be extended to no more than an additional two years. Previous federal service as a Term Law Clerk may lessen the four-year total appointment. Successful candidate must be able to provide a minimum two-year commitment to the appointment. The preferred start date is March 3, 2025, but is negotiable.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

To qualify for a JSP 11/1, a person must be a graduate from a law school of recognized standing, and have demonstrated one of the following accomplishments or proficiencies:

  • Standing within the upper third of the law school class from a law school on the approved list of either the American Bar Association or the Association of American Law Schools;
  • Experience on the editorial board of a law review of such a school;
  • Graduation from such a school with an LLM degree; or
  • Proficiency in legal studies that, in the opinion of the appointing judge, is the equivalent of one of the above.

To qualify for a JSP 12/1, a person must meet the above but also have at least one year of full-time legal work experience after graduation from law school and must be a member of the bar of a state, territorial, or federal court of general jurisdiction.

To qualify for a JSP 13/1, a person must meet the above but also have at least two years of full-time legal work experience after graduation from law school and must be a member of the bar of a state, territorial, or federal court of general jurisdiction.

Legal work experience is defined as progressively responsible experience in the practice of law, legal research, legal administration, or equivalent experience received after graduation from law school. Major or substantial legal activities while in military service may be credited on a month-for-month basis, whether before or after graduation, but not to exceed one year if before graduation from law school.

Specialized Experience

Preferred Qualifications

It is preferred that applicants at least one year experience in the bankruptcy field or comparable practice areas. Applicants must be highly skilled in legal research and writing, and must be able to use Westlaw, Lexis and Microsoft Office. Familiarity with electronic case filing and management systems is preferred. Applicants must be able to quickly process and resolve complex issues. Excellent verbal, written and interpersonal skills, maturity, judgment and discretion are required.

Additional Information

This position is considered a term appointment. Term appointments end no later than four years from the date of the appointment unless previous federal Term law clerk experience applies. Law clerks appointed to term appointments are subject to social security deductions and are eligible for health, dental, vision, and life insurance coverage. Term law clerks are not eligible to participate in the retirement system or the Thrift Savings Plan. Based on the judge’s discretion, Term law clerks may or may not be placed on the Leave Act. Please visit our website for a complete federal benefits overview.

Employees must adhere to the judiciary’s Code of Conduct. In addition, this position is subject to mandatory fund transfer (EFT) participation, adherence to 8 U.S.C.§ 1324b(a)(3)(B) regarding hiring of lawful permanent residents, and an FBI fingerprint and/or background check. Employees of the U.S. Courts are not included in the government’s Civil Service classification and are considered “at will” employees.

Miscellaneous

This appointment will be for an initial term of two years and may be extended to no more than an additional two years. Previous federal service as a Term Law Clerk may lessen the four-year total appointment. Successful candidate must be able to provide a minimum two-year commitment to the appointment. The preferred start date is March 3, 2025, but is negotiable.

Application Info

All qualified applicants should submit the following:

  • Application form AO78
  • Cover letter & current resume;
  • Names and contact information for two professional references;
  • Writing sample.

Your application packet must be submitted as a single pdf document by email to: cod_hrd@cod.uscourts.gov. Please note “Vacancy Announcement: 2025-02-USBC” in the subject line of the email. Incomplete applications may not be considered.

The federal Judiciary is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer.