Term Law Clerk

📍 Norfolk, Virginia · 🏛 U.S. Courts · 💰 $75,038–$106,950 per year · 🎓 JS 11–13 · 🧭 Law Clerk (0904) · ⏳ Closes Dec 14, 2026 · 33 days left · 🗓 Posted Dec 15, 2025
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Job details at a glance

AgencyU.S. Courts
DepartmentJudicial Branch
LocationNorfolk, Virginia
Salary$75,038–$106,950 per year
GradeJS 11–13
ScheduleFull-time
Occupation seriesLaw Clerk (0904)
Openings1
Hiring pathsOpen to the public
PostedDec 15, 2025
Application deadlineDec 14, 2026
Telework eligibleYes
Remote jobNo
Security clearanceNot Required
Relocation expenses reimbursedNo
Promotion potentialNone
Apply on USAJobs (official) ↗

About this job

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.

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.

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.

Education

Law School Graduate

Requirements

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.

Evaluations

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.

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 Heather_Pearson@vaed.uscourts.gov.

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.

Apply on USAJobs (official) ↗

Required documents

Cover letter Detailed Resume Law school and undergraduate transcripts Three (3) recommendation letters or references One (1) writing sample

What to expect next

All applications will be reviewed to identify the best qualified candidates. Only applicants selected for an interview will be notified. Applicants not selected for an interview will not receive notice concerning the status of their application.

Benefits

This position is not covered by benefits.

Other 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.

Frequently asked questions

How much does this Term Law Clerk job pay?

The announcement lists a salary of $75,038–$106,950 per year (JS 11–13).

When is the last day to apply?

Applications close on Dec 14, 2026 — 33 days from today.

Where is this job located?

This position is located in Norfolk, Virginia with the U.S. Courts.

How do I apply?

Applications are submitted through the official announcement on USAJobs. Use the Apply button on this page to go to the official posting — this site never takes applications itself.

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Data: USAJobs (U.S. Office of Personnel Management), retrieved 2026-11-11 · Announcement FY26-06N · Official announcement. FederalJobs is unofficial and is not affiliated with OPM or the agency.
Term Law Clerk
Dec 14, 2026 deadlineApply