Term Law Clerk to a U. S. Magistrate Judge - U.S.D.C. Central District of California
Position: Term Law Clerk to a U. S. Magistrate Judge
Classification Level: JSP 11/01 – JSP 13/10
Salary Range: $84,366.00 - $156,323.00
Location: Los Angeles, California
Opening Date: February 05, 2024
Closing Date: Open until filled
Number of Positions: One
Vacancy Number: 24-15
POSITION
The United States District Court, Central District of California, invites applications for the position
of Term Law Clerk to the Honorable Patricia Donahue, United States Magistrate Judge. The Law
Clerk appointment shall begin on or about September 03, 2024, for a one-year or two-year term.
This position may be extended at the agreement of the parties.
Principal duties of the position include:
• Research substantive issues of federal and state law;
• Draft legal memoranda, opinions and orders;
• Prepare the Judge for hearings, trials, or mediations;
• Perform basic administrative desk duties for the Judge;
• Assist the Judge and Courtroom Deputy Clerk with docket and case management;
• Generally provide legal counsel and support to the Judge; and
• Exhibit the highest standards of excellence and integrity.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
At the time of appointment, the candidate must possess the following minimum requirements:
• Graduate of an ABA - accredited law school with excellent academic credentials;
• Exceptional research and writing skills;
• Keen analytical ability and balanced judgment;
• Proficiency in computer and word processing skills;
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
• Bar membership, clerkship experience and/or post-JD legal work experience;
• Prior litigation experience or significant motion practice at a top-tier law firm or public
agency.
• Strong interest in Habeas, Constitutional, Civil Rights, Prisoner Litigation and/or Criminal
law, social security, pro se, and appellate.
COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS
Compensation will be set based on the experience and qualifications of the successful candidate,
subject to the policies and guidelines set forth in the Judicial Salary Plan. Term Law Clerks qualify
for federal employees’ group health insurance, life insurance, flexible spending accounts, dental and
life insurance. Commuter subsidies are available to employees who utilize public transportation to
and from work.
INFORMATION FOR APPLICANTS
• As a condition of employment, the successful candidate is required to undergo an FBI
background check. The selectee may be appointed provisionally, with retention dependent
upon a favorable suitability determination from the background check.
• The successful candidate must be a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident of the United
States currently seeking citizenship or intending to become a citizen upon meeting eligibility
requirements.
• This position is subject to mandatory electronic fund transfer (direct deposit) of bi-weekly
earnings.
• Relocation expenses will not be reimbursed.
• The United States District Court requires employees to adhere to the Code of Conduct for
Federal Judicial Employees, which is available on the Court’s website:
http://www.cacd.uscourts.gov
• This position requires the applicant to work in person at the Roybal courthouse in downtown
Los Angeles, although some remote work may be allowed at the judge’s discretion.
HOW TO APPLY
Applications can be submitted by email to: pdchambers@cacd.uscourts.gov. Complete application
packets must include the following:
1. A cover letter;
2. A resume;
3. A writing sample;
4. Contact Information for 2 references
The Federal Judiciary is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer
