Term Law Clerk

Summary

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

How You Will Be Evaluated

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.

Required Documents

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

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.

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.

Additional 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.

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.

Litigation, Legal Research, Legal Writing, Case Management, Analytical Skills