About This Position
The U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia is seeking qualified applicants for a full-time Term Law Clerk to United States District Judge Elizabeth W. Hanes. The Court will consider applications for either a nine-month term (beginning in January 2026 and ending in August/September 2026) or a longer term (beginning in January 2026 and ending in August/September 2027). The applicant's cover letter should specify the date upon which they can begin work and their preference.
Qualifications
The Temporary Law Clerk manages a large docket of civil and criminal cases and has primary responsibilities regarding the drafting and finalizing of opinions and orders. This fast-paced "Rocket Docket" District demands excellent writing and analytical skills. The successful applicant must meet multiple deadlines in a timely and organized fashion and must be able to produce written materials (i.e. orders, opinions, etc.) quickly and accurately. Flexibility to meet demanding deadlines and a concomitant strong work ethic are both required. Candidates must maintain a courteous and professional demeanor within chambers, the Court, and the Bar, and before the public.
Major Duties
The U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia is seeking qualified applicants for a full-time Term Law Clerk to United States District Judge Elizabeth W. Hanes. This position requires legal research and writing assistance, preparing bench memos, drafting orders and opinions, communicating with counsel and other court personnel regarding case management and procedural requirements, and assisting the Judge during courtroom proceedings.
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.
Education
Law School Graduate
How You Will Be Evaluated
We will review your resume and support documentation to ensure you meet the basic qualification requirements. If your complete application meets the basic qualifications, it will be forwarded to the hiring official for further consideration and scored on your level of experience and competencies needed to perform the duties of the position.
Additional Information
To view the full job announcement please visit our website at www.vaed.uscourts.gov. The United States District Court of the Eastern District of Virginia is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
How to Apply
Applicants should submit a cover letter, detailed resume, law school and undergraduate transcripts, three (3) recommendation letters or references, and one writing sample. Materials should be sent directly to chambers; do not submit materials through OSCAR. The writing sample should be an example, on paper, of legal writing that is not heavily edited or reviewed by others and should be comprised of persuasive legal analysis. Application packages received by January 6, 2026, will be given priority consideration. Applicants must submit packages via email to Heather Black, Law Clerk, at [email protected].
Required Documents
Cover letter Detailed Resume Law school and undergraduate transcripts Three (3) recommendation letters or references One (1) writing sample
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the salary for the Term Law Clerk position at U.S. Courts?
The salary range for this position is $75,038 - $106,950/yr. This is a JS-11/13 position on the General Schedule pay scale. Actual pay may vary based on locality adjustments.
Where is the Term Law Clerk job located?
This position is located in Norfolk, Virginia. This is an on-site position.
What qualifications do I need?
The Temporary Law Clerk manages a large docket of civil and criminal cases and has primary responsibilities regarding the drafting and finalizing of opinions and orders. This fast-paced "Rocket Docket" District demands excellent writing and analytical skills. The successful applicant must meet multiple deadlines in a timely and organized fashion...
How do I apply for this position?
Apply through USAJobs.gov by clicking the 'Apply on USAJobs' button. You'll need a USAJobs account, a federal-style resume, and supporting documents. The deadline is Dec 14, 2026.
Is a security clearance required?
No security clearance is required for this position.
What does JS-11/13 mean?
JS-11/13 refers to the General Schedule grade level. Higher grades require more experience and offer higher pay. Visit our GS Pay Scale page for full salary tables by grade and locality.
What benefits do federal employees receive?
Federal employees receive comprehensive benefits including health insurance (FEHB), retirement through FERS, Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) with government matching, paid annual and sick leave, paid parental leave, life insurance, and student loan repayment programs.