The United States District Court for the District of North Dakota has announced a vacancy for a full-time Term Law Clerk position. The role is based in Fargo, North Dakota, within the chambers of U.S. District Chief Judge Peter D. Welte. This term position will commence in August 2026 and conclude in August 2028.
The primary responsibilities include researching federal and state law issues, drafting legal documents such as memoranda, opinions, and orders, and attending court proceedings related to criminal and civil cases. Additional duties involve interaction with chamber staff, court personnel, litigants, attorneys, and providing legal support to the judge.
Applicants must have excellent academic credentials from an ABA-accredited law school, strong research and writing skills, and a keen analytical ability. Proficiency in understanding the Rules of Professional Conduct, Judicial Canons, and confidentiality rules applicable to judicial law clerks is required. U.S. citizenship is mandatory.
"The successful applicant will exhibit, at all times and to all persons, a courteous, professional, and cooperative attitude and a self-imposed standard of integrity and excellence," states the announcement.
The salary range for this position is $73,939 - $105,383 (Current JSP 11/1 - 13/1), depending on qualifications and experience. While tenure rights do not apply as in competitive Civil Service positions, other federal government benefits are available.
The court emphasizes its commitment as an Equal Opportunity Employer (EEO) with an Employment Dispute Resolution Plan in place. All applications will be kept confidential with only the hiring authority having access to applicants' identities.
Interested candidates should submit their application documents via email to NDD_Jobs@ndd.uscourts.gov in PDF format. Required documents include a cover letter addressing qualifications and interest in the federal court role; a resume with three professional references; a law school transcript; a legal writing sample primarily authored by the applicant; and a completed application form AO-78.