United States Courts

The judicial law clerk serves as legal advisor to the Honorable Clark Waddoups. The caseload in the jurisdiction is heavy and the types of cases presented are varied and often involve novel issues of law. As such, the position requires excellent organizational, writing, and analytic skills. Employment with the U.S. District Court offers civil and criminal law experience at the federal court trial level and an environment providing significant responsibility and challenge. Responsibilities include:

• Review complaints for jurisdiction; manage all aspects of assigned civil and criminal cases; review docket of pending cases to assure proper progress
• Perform legal research as needed, identify problem areas, make recommendations and offer solutions
• Provide information and advice to the U.S. District Judge in connection with pending litigation; assist with and attend court proceedings, draft bench memoranda, proposed orders, and opinions for the judge’s review
• Answer general and procedural questions from attorneys, pro se litigants and the public; communicate with other court officials and employees from other federal agencies
• Keep abreast of changes in the law and federal and local rules to keep the judge advised of significant changes, and perform other duties as assigned

Qualification

The successful candidate must have a Juris Doctorate degree and be a member in good standing of the bar of a state, territory or Federal Court of general jurisdiction. Litigation experience is not required, but the position is open to both new and experienced lawyers. Judge Waddoups requires at least one year of prior work experience.

The successful candidate must be able to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, possess good judgment and discretion; be dependable, responsible and maintain confidentially; be a proactive self-starter and demonstrate initiative in problem solving; be able to work quickly and harmoniously with others in a team-based environment; and present a poised, professional appearance and demeanor at all times. This position requires superb writing skills, along with organizational, people and time management skills. A successful candidate must also be able to juggle many changing priorities and demands at the same time. Computer-assisted legal research and word processing ability are essential.

Preference will be given to candidates who have at least one year post graduate legal experience, law clerk experience, federal court work experience, and/or post graduate legal work experience in federal litigation. Judge Waddoups also prefers candidates who were in the top 20% of their class and on the school’s Law Review.

Benefits

The entry salary for this position is a Judicial Salary Plan (JSP) 11 - $69,107 to (JSP) 13 - $98,496 based on qualifications and experience. This is a ‘term’ position with an employment assignment of one to four years with the possibility that that it could become a career position. This position falls within the Judicial Branch of the U.S. Government and the benefits include health, dental, vision and life insurance. This position is subject to mandatory direct deposit participation.

Miscellaneous

All application information is subject to verification. Appointment to this position is contingent upon a background investigation, including an FBI fingerprint check. The judicial law clerk serves at the pleasure of the court and is an 'at will' employee and can be terminated with or without cause. All judiciary employees are required to adhere to the Judicial Code of Conduct. Applicants must be U.S. citizens or be eligible to work in the U.S.

How To Apply

Qualified candidates are invited to submit:

1. Letter of interest
2. Detailed resume including education and previous employment
3. Application for Judicial Branch Employment (AO78)
4. Law school transcript (official or unofficial)
5. A recent writing sample that has not been edited by others (no more than 10 pages)
6. A list of three professional references

The application form (AO78) is available on the court’s website or at the address listed below from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday - Friday. Application packages must be emailed in PDF format or received in hard copy no later than Aug. 14, 2023. Applications will be screened for completeness and qualifications. Only some of the most qualified applicants will be contacted and selected for a personal interview. Incomplete applications will not be considered. Interview and relocation expenses will not be reimbursed. If an accommodation is necessary to interview, please advise the Human Resources Office.

Please email application packages in PDF format to: UTD_HumanResources@utd.uscourts (link sends e-mail)

Or mail or hand deliver to:

United States District Court

Attn: Waddoups Judicial Law Clerk Position

351 South West Temple

Salt Lake City, UT 84101

The federal Judiciary is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer.