Website United States Bankruptcy Court, Western District of New York
UNITED STATES BANKRUPTCY COURT, WESTERN DISTRICT OF NEW YORK
100 State Street, Rochester, NY 14614 | www.nywb.uscourts.gov
Position Information:
Position Title: Law Clerk (Two-Year Term) | Vacancy Number: 26-03 | Duty Station: Rochester, New York | Salary: Commensurate with experience and education
Overview:
The Office of the Clerk, U.S. Bankruptcy Court, is seeking two (2) Law Clerks to support U.S. Bankruptcy Judge Timothy P. Lyster. Law Clerks report directly to the Judge and are responsible for conducting legal research, preparing bench memoranda, and editing and proofreading judicial decisions and opinions. Additional responsibilities include case management and administrative duties. The successful candidates must demonstrate strong legal research and writing skills, exceptional attention to detail, and the ability to produce high-quality work efficiently. This is an in-person position with the potential for limited remote work at the discretion of the Judge.
Representative Duties:
Conduct legal research; review case records and filings; draft proposed decisions and orders; discuss legal analysis with the Judge; maintain reports reflecting assignment status and completion; perform other duties as assigned.
Qualification Requirements:
Applicants must graduate from an accredited law school prior to the start date and demonstrate excellent legal research, writing, and analytical skills. Law review or journal experience is preferred.
Preferred Qualifications:
Prior federal clerkship experience; at least two (2) years of experience as a practicing attorney; academic standing in the top 25% of law school class; superior analytical and writing abilities; editorial board experience on a law review or journal.
How to Apply:
Applicants must submit a cover letter, résumé, and completed Form AO 78 (Application for Judicial Branch Federal Employment) via email to [email protected] with the subject line “Law Clerk, Reference No. 26-03.”
Important Dates:
Opening Date: June 2, 2026 | Closing Date: Open until filled* | Start Date: August 2026. *Interviews will be conducted on a rolling basis until the positions are filled.
District Overview:
The Western District of New York Bankruptcy Court serves the 17 westernmost counties of Upstate New York, with courthouses in Buffalo (2 Niagara Square) and Rochester (100 State Street). The Court is comprised of two United States Bankruptcy Judges and approximately 25 employees.
Applicant Information:
Employees must adhere to the Code of Conduct available at www.uscourts.gov. Only qualified applicants will be considered, and only those selected for an interview will be contacted. Reasonable accommodations are available for applicants with disabilities. Veterans’ preference does not apply. Interviews may be conducted via video or in person; travel expenses for in-person interviews are the applicant’s responsibility. Applicants may be required to provide educational documentation, certifications, references, and salary history, and must be U.S. citizens or eligible to work in the United States.
Employment Conditions:
This position requires mandatory direct deposit and is part of the Excepted Service, meaning it is at-will. The selected applicant must complete a one-year probationary period. The Court reserves the right to modify or withdraw this announcement at any time without notice.
Benefits:
New employees receive 13 days of annual leave (increasing with tenure), 13 days of sick leave, and 11 paid holidays. Eligible benefits include health, dental, vision, life, and long-term care insurance; retirement plan participation; Thrift Savings Plan (including Roth options); flexible spending accounts; commuter and transit benefits; and Employee Assistance Programs.
Background Investigation:
This is a sensitive position within the Judiciary. Employment is provisional pending successful completion of an Office of Personnel Management background investigation and a favorable suitability determination.
Equal Opportunity Employer:
The United States Bankruptcy Court, Western District of New York, is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
To apply for this job email your details to NYWB_applications@nywb.uscourts.gov