Career Law Clerk

Career Law Clerk

Department: Judicial Branch

Location(s): Norfolk, Virginia

Salary Range: $106950 - $164296 Per Year

Job Summary: The U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia seeks a Career Law Clerk for Judge Arenda L. Wright Allen beginning June 1, 2026. Duties include legal research, reviewing filings, drafting memos and orders, and managing chambers operations. Strong writing skills are required; prior federal clerkship experience is preferred.

Major Duties:

• ADMINISTRATIVE DUTIES: Closely monitor dockets of all pending cases and draft orders, as appropriate, for scheduling and discovery-related issues, default proceedings, service deficiencies, and other miscellaneous matters. Serve as chambers liaison for all outside personnel, including other District and Magistrate Judges, the Clerk of Court, the Clerk's Office staff, the Probation and Pretrial Services Office, and the Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts. Train, assist and supervise the two bi-annual term law clerks extensively. Receive, screen, and refer telephone and in-person callers. Prepare in final form the judge's written correspondence, memoranda, annual reports, and other items. Assemble and attach supplemental material as required. Monitor all incoming mail and email communication; screen incoming mail daily, routing the mail to appropriate recipients; review all outgoing mail for accuracy. Maintain the judge's calendar; schedule, change, and cancel meetings, appointments, and hearings as directed; relieve the judge of routine details and oversee chambers supply stock and general chambers' management. Arrange all business travel itineraries for the judge, including plane tickets, hotel reservations, lodging plans, car rentals, and other arrangements. Perform other miscellaneous administrative duties as assigned by the judge and as necessary for the efficient operation of chambers. LAW CLERK DUTIES: Research and analyze novel and complex legal issues in diverse areas of federal criminal law and civil litigation. Draft orders and memorandum opinions in civil and criminal cases for the judge's review. Prepare bench memoranda and other written materials for motions hearings and trial proceedings, as directed. Provide information and guidance to the judge on individual cases, as directed. Perform extensive computer legal research via Westlaw and/or Lexis. Monitor significant changes in federal statutes, sentencing guidelines, and Supreme Court and Fourth Circuit precedent. Review and edit orders, opinions and memoranda drafted by term law clerks and staff attorneys.

Qualifications: MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: The Career 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. At the time of appointment, the candidate must meet the following minimum requirements: 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. A strong work ethic, collaborative spirit, and "can do" and resourceful attitude. The ability to thrive and lift up 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.

How to Apply: Qualified applicants should submit one document in PDF format via e-mail to Madhuri_Belkale@vaed.uscourts.gov that includes the following: a cover letter describing the applicant's qualifications, skills and experience necessary to perform the job; a current resume, including a list of at least three professional references; a law school transcript; and a completed AO 78 Form, Application for Federal Judicial Branch Employment In the same email, please include TWO writing samples consisting of (1) an analysis of a complex criminal issue and (2) an analysis of a complex civil matter. These samples should be primarily the work of the applicant and not heavily edited or rewritten by others. Applications should note if a particular individual referred the candidate to Judge Allen.

Application Deadline: 2026-11-25