Law Clerk – Criminal Justice Federal Prosecution

Job Description

Law Clerk | United States Attorneys’ Offices

The Tone:
This is a temporary position within the United States Attorneys’ Offices, a component of the Department of Justice. The organization is responsible for investigating and prosecuting a range of federal cases, including those involving illegal immigration, drug trafficking, human trafficking, firearms trafficking, human smuggling, and transnational organized crime. This role is crucial for supporting federal attorneys in their mission to uphold the rule of law and the United States Constitution by providing essential legal and administrative assistance.

The TL;DR
• Role: Early Career
• Type: Temporary
• Location: In-person

• Team: Supports a well-respected team of federal attorneys responsible for investigating and prosecuting critical federal cases.
• Mission: Provides essential legal research, writing, and administrative support to federal attorneys in the investigation and prosecution of federal criminal cases.
• Tech Stack: Westlaw, Lexis

What You’ll Actually Do
• Legal Research & Writing: Perform extensive research using Westlaw/Lexis, and draft legal documents including motions, orders, and memoranda.
• Case Preparation: Assist attorneys with trial preparation, hearings, and witness interviews.
• Case Management: Review complaints, petitions, and pleadings, and monitor changes in federal law and court precedent.
• Administrative Support: Manage case files, handle exhibit preparation, and maintain legal libraries.
• Communication: Act as a liaison between chambers/offices and attorneys.

The Must-Haves
• Background: Applicants must be United States Citizens or Nationals. This is an early career role for individuals who have completed their Juris Doctor (JD) degree from an ABA-accredited law school within the previous year (JD received after June 1, 2025). This position offers a potential pathway to convert to an entry-level attorney role upon satisfactory employment and bar admission.
• Experience: No specific years of prior experience are required. Applicants must possess a class rank within the top 1/3 of their law school class or a grade point average of 3.0 or higher out of a possible 4.0.
• Skills: Strong analytical skills, proficiency in legal research using Westlaw/Lexis, legal writing for drafting various documents, effective communication, and comprehensive case file management.
• Bonus: Demonstrated strong academics, excellent legal writing capabilities, and a solid understanding of Federal regulations and case law.