Law Clerk Job:

The Bankruptcy Appellate Panel (BAP) for the Tenth Circuit, located in Denver, Colorado, is actively seeking a qualified Attorney to serve as a Law Clerk within the BAP Clerk’s Office at the Byron White Courthouse. This position offers a unique opportunity to contribute substantially to the legal research, writing, and analytical functions that support the BAP. The selected Attorney will be involved in preparing legal memoranda, drafting proposed decisions, and conducting comprehensive legal research. Additionally, this role will provide valuable support by acting as a backup to the Clerk’s Office Staff Attorney, as well as assisting with various administrative functions within the office as necessary.

Duties:

The Law Clerk’s responsibilities are diverse and may include working closely with judges and Clerk’s Office staff to facilitate case-related processes. Specific duties encompass conducting legal research on complex cases, preparing legal memoranda, drafting proposed decisions, and performing intricate motion work. The position also entails proofreading, editing, and cite-checking decisions to ensure accuracy and legal coherence. The incumbent may attend oral argument sessions, which may occasionally require limited travel. The role also includes tasks such as providing researched and documented analyses on matters of interest to the Court, conducting docket quality control, answering inquiries from the public and parties appearing before the court, and additional duties as assigned.

Eligibility Requirements:

• Citizenship: Candidates must be U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents in the process of obtaining U.S. citizenship.
• Employment Type: This is an “At-Will” position under excepted service appointments, meaning it is not subject to typical federal employment rules.
• Background Investigation: Appointment to this position is contingent upon successfully completing a high-sensitive executive level background investigation.
• Judicial Code of Conduct: Employees are required to adhere to the Judicial Code of Conduct.
• Direct Deposit: Direct deposit of pay is mandatory.

Qualifications:

Applicants should hold a degree from an accredited law school. Admission to practice law before the highest court of a U.S. state, territory, commonwealth, or possession is necessary for appointment at grade 12 or above. Candidates should possess an excellent academic record along with exceptional skills in legal research, analysis, writing, and editing. Strong interpersonal skills and a willingness to work in a collaborative team environment are essential. The ability to work independently and maintain a positive, team-oriented attitude is highly valued.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Prior experience in post-graduate appellate court work or as a judicial law clerk is preferred.
• Knowledge and professional experience in bankruptcy law are desirable and will be considered an advantage in the selection process.

Education Requirements:

A law degree from an accredited law school is required. For those relying on educational qualifications to meet the job requirements, only degrees from institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education will be considered valid.

Required Application Documents:

Interested applicants must submit the following documents to [email protected]:

1. A cover letter outlining their qualifications and interest in the position
2. A resume that includes three professional references
3. A copy of their law school transcripts
4. A completed Federal Judicial Branch Application for Employment, which can be accessed at https://www.ca10.uscourts.gov/hr/human-resources

It is highly recommended that all application materials be submitted as a single PDF to streamline the review process.

Overview

• Accepting applications

• Open & closing dates 10/30/2024 to 01/30/2025
• Salary$80,665 – $176,620 per yearThis job uses the Judiciary Salary Plan (JSP). JSP 11 – 14, Grade 14 requires two years of federal clerkship experience.
• Pay scale & gradeJS 11 – 14
• Location1 vacancy in the following location:
  • Denver, CO
• Remote jobNo
• Telework eligibleYes—Hybrid work schedule may be available.
• Travel RequiredNot required
• Relocation expenses reimbursedNo
• Appointment typePermanent – An “At-Will,” Full-time position with full benefits package available, hybrid work schedule may be available. Position is for one year, with potential extension based on funding and caseload.
• Work scheduleFull-time – Monday to Friday; 8am to 5pm
• ServiceExcepted
• Promotion potential14 – JSP-14, Full Performance Level
• Job family (Series)
  • 0904 Law Clerk
• Supervisory statusNo
• Security clearanceOther
• Drug testNo
• Financial disclosureNo
• Bargaining unit statusNo
• Announcement number24B10
• Control number816695400