Judicial Law Clerk - US District Court for Utah, St. George

UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT FOR THE DISTRICT OF UTAH

SOUTHERN REGION

VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT

JUDICIAL LAW CLERK

ST. GEORGE, UTAH

(20 MONTH TERM)

09-UTD-24

OPEN DATE: DECEMBER 16, 2024 CLOSE DATE: JANUARY 9, 2025

The United States District Court for the District of Utah is accepting applications for the position of Judicial

Law Clerk to David Nuffer, United States Senior District Judge. This is a term law clerk position located in St.

George, Utah, with an employment assignment of 20 months, ending September 30, 2026. The starting

salary is $72,553 - $103,409 based on qualifications and experience. By Judicial Conference policy a term law

clerk may not serve more than four years in the federal system.

POSITION OVERVIEW:

The judicial law clerk serves as legal advisor to Senior U.S. District Judge David Nuffer. His reduced civil

caseload in the Southern Region of the Court varied and involves novel issues of law. He has a very small

criminal caseload. Employment with the United States District Court offers civil law experience at the

federal court trial level and an environment providing significant responsibility and challenge. The federal

court in St. George currently has three resident judges and support staff in chambers and the clerk’s office.

Responsibilities include:

 Manage all aspects of assigned civil cases from inception to conclusion;

 Review all complaints, petitions, motions and pleadings to determine issues involved and bases for

relief;

 Perform legal research as required; identify problem areas, make recommendations and propose

solutions;

 Provide information and advice to the Judge about pending litigation; draft appropriate

recommendations and orders for the Judge’s review;

 Review docket of pending litigation to assure proper case progress;

 Maintain communication between the court and litigants; communicate with other court officials;

 Handle administrative responsibilities as assigned for the judge and for the court in the St. George

location; and

 Keep abreast of changes in the law to aid the Judge and keep the judge advised of appropriate action.

This judicial law clerk is responsible for some clerical and administrative duties. These duties include:

proficiency with electronic filing and case management systems; proofread and edit material for grammar,

spelling accuracy and word usage; coordinate judge’s schedule, arrange meetings and appointments; assist

courtroom deputies in court and in maintaining the electronic court calendar; answer and screen telephone

calls; meet and assist public; answer general inquiries; and perform other duties as assigned.

Because this position is located away from the central court location in the District of Utah, the position will

require travel to Salt Lake City on occasion and this law clerk may have responsibility for some cases being

heard outside of the St. George. Cost of authorized travel will be paid by the court.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

The successful candidate must have a Juris Doctorate degree and be a member in good standing of the bar

of a state, territory or Federal Court of general jurisdiction.

The successful candidate must be an excellent writer; absorb and analyze information quickly and

accurately; research and reason reliably; communicate effectively, orally and in writing; exhibit good

judgment, maturity and tact; be dependable, responsible and maintain confidentially; be a proactive self-

starter and demonstrate initiative in problem solving; work quickly and harmoniously with others in a team-

based environment; and present a poised, professional appearance and demeanor. This position requires

superb organizational, people and time management skills with the ability to juggle many changing priorities

and demands at the same time. Familiarity will all sorts of technology is helpful.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

Preference will be given to candidates who have law clerk or other experience in the federal system,

proficiency in the use of office technology, and post-graduation legal work experience including civil, criminal

and federal litigation.

SALARY AND BENEFITS:

The salary for this position is a Judicial Salary Plan (JSP) 11-13, or $72,553 - $103,409 based on qualifications

and experience. This is a term position with an employment assignment of 20 months. The position falls

within the Judicial Branch of the U.S. Government. Benefits include health, dental, vision, life, and long-term

care. Some benefits require co-payment. This position is subject to mandatory direct deposit participation.

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT:

All application information is subject to verification. Appointment to this position is contingent upon a

background investigation including an FBI fingerprint check. The Judicial Law Clerk serves at the pleasure of

the court and is an ‘at will’ employee and can be terminated with or without cause. All judiciary employees

are required to adhere to the Judicial Code of Conduct. Applicants must be United States citizens or be

eligible to work in the United States.

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:

Qualified candidates are invited to submit:

1. Letter of Interest

2. Detailed resume including education and previous employment

3. Three recent writing samples that have not been edited by others (no more than 10 pages each)

4. Application for Judicial Branch Employment (AO78)

The application form (AO-78) is available via the court’s web site http://www.utd.uscourts.gov or at the

address listed below from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday - Friday. Application packages must be emailed in

pdf format or received in hard copy no later than January 9, 2025. Applications will be screened for

completeness and qualifications. Only the most qualified applicants will be contacted and selected for a

personal interview. Incomplete applications will not be considered. Interviews will be scheduled in St.

George. Anticipated start date is in February 2025. Interview and relocation expenses will not be

reimbursed. Video interviews may be used. If an accommodation is necessary to interview, please advise

the Human Resources Office.

Please email application packages in PDF format to UTD_HumanResources@utd.uscourts.gov

Or mail or hand deliver to:

United States District Court

Attn: Human Resources

Judicial Law Clerk Position- St. George

351 South West Temple

Salt Lake City, UT 84101

THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER