Job Details for Career Law Clerk
| Court Name/Organization | Texas Eastern District Court |
| Overview of the Position | The U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Texas is a public service-oriented organization focused on providing exceptional customer service to the court, members of the legal community and the general public. Currently, we are seeking innovative and experienced applicants for a Career Law Clerk position. There are seven offices within the Eastern District of Texas: Beaumont, Lufkin, Marshall, Plano, Sherman, Texarkana and Tyler. |
| Location | Plano, TX |
| Opening and Closing Dates | 03/18/2025 - Open Until Filled |
| Appointment Type | Permanent |
| Classification Level/Grade | JSP 11/1 - 14/1 |
| Salary | $80,381 - $175,995 |
| Link to Court Careers Information | https://txed.uscourts.gov/ |
| Announcement Number | 2025-10 |
| Link to Job Announcement | |
Position Description
The U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Texas is accepting applications for a Career Law Clerk position to the Honorable Bill Davis, U.S. Magistrate Judge, starting in September or October 2026. The career law clerk provides critical support by conducting legal research and preparing legal memoranda, orders and draft opinions on both civil and criminal cases.
Qualifications
A Juris Doctor degree is required. To qualify for the position of law clerk on the personal staff of a federal judge, a person must be a law school graduate (or be certified as having completed all law school studies and requirements and merely awaiting conferment of degree) from a law school of recognized standing and have one or more of the following attributes: Standing within the upper quarter (top 25%) 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 demonstrated proficiency in legal studies, which, in the opinion of the judge, is the equivalent of one of the above. To qualify for level JSP Grade 12, an individual must have one year of legal work experience after graduation from law school and must be a member in good standing of the bar of a state, territory, or federal court of general jurisdiction. To qualify for level JSP Grade 13, an individual must possess two years of legal work experience after graduation from law school and must be a member in good standing of the bar of a state, territory, or federal court of general jurisdiction.
General Experience
Additional Preferences: The court has a varied civil docket including patent, civil rights, employment, and admiralty cases in addition to a full criminal docket. Graduation from accredited law school required; top 25% of class and current law license preferred. Two years post graduate experience in actual litigation is also preferred. Ability to analyze and research issues quickly, and then to write clearly, is essential. Preference will be given to those who possess two or more years of post-graduate legal work experience, case-management skills and the ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a production-oriented, high-volume work environment.
Specialized Experience
Personal Characteristics: A successful candidate should possess good judgment and good analytical skills; should demonstrate initiative; should possess a strong work ethic; should maintain a professional appearance and demeanor; should be able to work quickly and harmoniously with others in a team-based environment; and must be able to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing. This position requires excellent attendance, punctuality, and flexibility with work hours. Successful candidates will be expected to assist the judge and staff in managing the docket in a professional, organized manner while exercising complete discretion in the handling of confidential and sensitive matters.
Employee Benefits
The U.S. District Court falls within the Judicial Branch of the U.S. Government. Judiciary employees serve under "Excepted Appointment" and are considered “at-will” employees. As such, employment may be terminated by either the employer or the employee with or without cause. Federal Civil Service classifications/regulations do not apply; however, court employees are entitled to similar benefits as other federal employees. Benefits include participation in the Federal Employees’ Retirement System, which contributes to the Social Security Retirement Program; the Federal Employees’ Health Benefits Program; the Federal Employees’ Group Life Insurance Program; the Thrift Savings Plan (similar to a 401k plan with employer matching contributions); paid holidays and annual/sick leave accrual. See the U.S. Courts website for an overview of Federal Judiciary benefits.
Miscellaneous
The U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Texas is accepting applications for a Career Law Clerk position to the Honorable Bill Davis, U.S. Magistrate Judge, starting in September or October 2026. The career law clerk provides critical support by conducting legal research and preparing legal memoranda, orders and draft opinions on both civil and criminal cases.
Application Info
Please send the following documents as a single PDF with the reference number (2025-10 Career Law Clerk) in the subject line via email to: hr@txed.uscourts.gov
- Cover letter
- AO 78 Application for Judicial Branch Federal Employment (located at www.txed.uscourts.gov) with Optional Background Information (questions 19, 20, and 21) completed
- Resume
- Original writing sample, unedited by anyone else (at least 10 pages in length)
- Grade sheet from Undergraduate School and any graduate education grade sheet
- Three professional references
Please print or type all information. If your application does not provide all information requested, or if your application packet is not complete or late, you may lose consideration for this position.
Only qualified applicants will be considered for this position. Applicants selected for interviews must travel at their own expense and relocation expenses will not be reimbursed.
We will only make contact with those qualified applicants who will be invited for an interview.
The federal Judiciary is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer.