Law Student Research Assistant

About this job

The Federal Judicial Center (Center) is the federal courts' agency for research and continuing education. Congress established the Center in 1967 as a separate organization within the federal judicial system at the request of the Judicial Conference of the United States. A nine-member board, chaired by the Chief Justice of the United States, determines its basic policies.

Duties

The Research Division undertakes empirical research related to the operation of the federal courts, often at the request of the Judicial Conference of the United States and its committees, specific courts, or other groups in the federal court system. The primary duties and responsibilities of the law student research assistant are to provide support to Research Division project teams in the design and conduct of social science and legal research aimed at discovering innovative or improved approaches to the judicial administration in federal appellate, district, and bankruptcy courts. Specific duties and responsibilities, generally exercised under the guidance of a Research Associate or Senior Research Associate, may include support with: Conducting legal research and literature reviews; Reviewing and summarizing court policies and procedures; Cite-checking documents; Developing research instruments such as interview protocols, questionnaires, and coding protocols; Organizing and coding court-related data; Creating tables and graphs to present research findings; and Writing reports of research findings. The Federal Judicial Center offers a range of telework and flexible work schedule options based on the employee's position categorization. The Law Student Research Assistant position is a remote-eligible position and will not require relocation.

Qualifications

Currently enrolled and seeking a law degree at an accredited educational institution, on a full-time basis; Strong legal research, analytical, and writing skills; and Strong interpersonal and communication skills, including the ability to work collaboratively. Summer law student research assistants are asked to commit to at least eight weeks of employment for 30 to 39 hours per week. Spring and fall semester law student research assistants are asked to commit to 12 to 15 hours per week. Law student research assistants are limited to working a maximum of 39 hours per week.

Education

Currently enrolled and seeking a law degree at an accredited educational institution, on a full-time basis.

Requirements

KEY REQUIREMENTS: Selectee must be a United States Citizen, subject to the exceptions enumerated at https://www.uscourts.gov/careers/search-judiciary-jobs/citizenship-requirements-employment-judiciary. Selectee must favorably complete a background investigation. Relatives of Center staff members may not be employed at the Center in any capacity. All requirements must be met for full consideration. The Federal Judicial Center is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to achieving a professional and collegial workplace in which everyone is valued and treated fairly and respectfully.

Evaluations

You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.

How to apply

APPLICATION PROCEDURES: The Federal Judicial Center recruits law student research assistants for the Fall, Spring and Summer semesters. Applicants must be current law students (JD or LLM). Fall Semester dates: September - December. Fall Semester application deadline: July 5 Spring Semester dates: January - April. Spring Semester application deadline: September 27 Summer Semester dates: May - August. Summer Semester application deadline: February 28 Applications are accepted on a rolling basis, and should include the following materials: Cover letter explaining how you meet the qualifications stated above, and indicating whether you are applying for Summer, Fall, and/or Spring; Unofficial transcript (or proof of enrollment if you are a first semester student); Resume; and The name and contact information of at least one reference. Please email all application materials to ResearchHiring@fjc.gov. You may also direct any questions about the position to this address.

Applications are handled only on the official announcement. This page is a readable copy of the public announcement data — the official version controls if anything differs.

Required documents

Please see the "How to Apply" section.

What to expect next

N/A

Benefits

This position is part time. Benefits are not applicable for this position.

Other information

SALARY AND BENEFITS: Law Students (first and second year): $21.36 per hour Law Students (third year or completed degree): $24.04 per hour This position is part time. Benefits are not applicable for this position.

Frequently asked questions

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