Description
VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT
UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT
WESTERN DISTRICT OF NEW YORK
Address: 100 State Street, Rochester, NY
Website: www.nywd.uscourts.gov
Position: Term Law Clerk
The lifetime limitation for term appointments allows a law clerk to serve in the Judiciary for no more than four cumulative years. This position is for a term of one to two years, with the potential for an extension up to four years.
Vacancy: 25-04
Duty Station: Rochester, New York
Salary: JSP Grade 11-13, $74,457-$137,960
Salary commensurate with experience and education
Overview
The United States District Court for the Western District of New York is seeking a term law clerk to support United States Magistrate Judge Mark W. Pedersen.
Law clerks provide the Court with procedural and substantive legal advice regarding the disposition and efficient completion of cases. They review, summarize, research, and analyze matters before the Court. Their research and recommendations assist the Court in resolving legal arguments presented and in deciding cases expeditiously. CLICK HERE to view a brief video about legal professionals working in the Courts.
Representative Duties
- Conduct legal research
- Review case records and filings, and analyze options
- Draft legal memoranda and proposed opinions and orders
- Discuss legal analysis with the Judge
- Provide procedural information to litigants and counsel
- Perform case management and other duties associated with the administration of cases
Qualification Requirements
To qualify, eligible candidates must have graduated from law school and be admitted to the bar.
Preferred Qualifications/Court Preferred Skills
Prior clerkship experience, at least one years’ experience, superior analytical ability and strong legal research and writing skills, and experience on law review, a law journal, or Moot Court.
Organizational Relationship
This position reports directly to United States Magistrate Judge Mark W. Pedersen.
Benefits
Click HERE to learn more about the Judiciary’s benefits.
Background Investigation
This is a sensitive position within the Judiciary. Employment will be considered provisional pending successful completion of an Office of Personnel Management background check and a favorable suitability determination.
How to Apply
Please submit a cover letter, resumé, writing sample, and law school transcript as a single PDF attachment by email to applications@nywd.uscourts.gov subject line “Law Clerk, Reference No. 25-04.” When saving your documents as one PDF, it is important to name the file using only your firstname_lastname. Only candidates selected for an interview will be notified and must travel at their own expense.
Important Dates
Position Available: August 2025
Application Deadline: May 30, 2025
District Overview
The District’s jurisdiction encompasses the 17 most western counties of Upstate New York, with courthouses located in Buffalo and Rochester. The District is comprised of 8 United States District Judges, 7 United States Magistrate Judges, and approximately 100 employees.
Applicant Information
Employees must adhere to a Code of Conduct. The Court provides reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities. Veterans’ preference is not a factor used in Judicial Branch appointments. Applicants must be U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents seeking U.S. citizenship. Positions with the U.S. Courts are excepted service appointments, which are “at will” and may be terminated with or without cause. Employees are required to use electronic funds transfer for payroll deposit.
The United States District Court for the Western District of New York is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
