Description
Position: Judicial Law Clerk – Term (2026 – 2027)
Annual Salary: $77,211 - $110,047 (depending upon qualifications), JS 11-13
Position Location: Pittsburgh, PA
Application Deadline: Open until filled
Position Summary:
The United States Bankruptcy Court for the Western District of Pennsylvania (the “Court”) is accepting applications for a full-time Judicial (Term) Law Clerk reporting to Judge Jeffery A. Deller in our Pittsburgh office. The position involves extensive research and writing on a wide range of issues that arise in federal bankruptcy proceedings. The successful candidate will substantively review pleadings, prepare bench memos, draft opinions, and orders on pending matters, and perform additional duties including verifying citations, managing the case docket, office management, and other legal and administrative duties as assigned. This is a one-year appointment, with optional extensions at the Judge’s discretion based on performance, and the starting date is negotiable.
Requirements:
For consideration, applicants must be law school graduates with strong academic records (graduating in the top 40% of their law school class preferred) and possess excellent legal research, analytical, and writing skills. Preference will be given to those who possess at least two years of post-graduate legal work experience. The ability to conduct computer-assisted legal research and word processing is required. Applicants should possess and demonstrate familiarity with MS Office (primarily Word, Excel, and be competent at the use of PowerPoint and the preparation of slide decks). Excellent interpersonal and organizational skills, including the ability to manage multiple tasks, are essential.
Duties:
Include, but are not limited to the following:
Prepare pre-hearing case summaries and post-hearing proceeding memos;
Perform legal research and prepare legal memoranda and orders;
Assist the Judge during courtroom proceedings;
Monitor and prepare quarterly status reports on pending cases;
Demonstrate a proficiency in computer technical skills and serve as the liaison when interfacing with the Court’s IT personnel; and
Supervise and manage the intern program maintained in Chambers.
Benefits:
The selected applicant is eligible for a choice of health, dental, and vision insurance coverage from a variety of plans. Participation in the Federal Health Insurance, Life Insurance, and Flexible Spending Plans is optional. The selected applicant will be paid eleven (11) holidays per year.
Miscellaneous:
Employees of the Court serve under “Excepted Appointment” and are considered “At-Will” employees. This position is considered a sensitive position. Appointment is provisional and retention is contingent upon the successful completion of an appropriate background check.
All appointments are subject to FBI Fingerprint Background Check, with periodic reinvestigation,
if applicable.
All applicants must be a U.S. citizen or be eligible to work in the United States.
All appointments are subject to mandatory electronic funds transfer.
The U.S Bankruptcy Court is An Equal Opportunity Employer.
How to Apply:
Applicants must submit the following information electronically: A Federal Judicial Branch Application for Employment (Form AO 78), a cover letter and resume. Before an offer of employment is made, references must be provided for any current and previous places of employment. Instructions and forms for applying electronically are available at: http://www.pawb.uscourts.gov/career-opportunities.
Please DO NOT CALL OR EMAIL the Court inquiring about the position. Due to the anticipated high volume of applications, the Court cannot respond to inquiries. Only qualified applicants will be considered for this position. Participation in the interview process will be at the applicant’s own expense, and relocation expenses will not be provided.
Applicants are advised that the position is available subject to funding. The Court reserves the right to modify the conditions of this job announcement, to staff the position as applications are received, or to withdraw the announcement; any of which may occur without prior written or other notice.
