Career Law Clerk

Description:

The U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia seeks a Career Law Clerk for Judge Arenda L. Wright Allen beginning June 1, 2026. Duties include legal research, reviewing filings, drafting memos and orders, and managing chambers operations. Strong writing skills are required; prior federal clerkship experience is preferred.

Requirements:

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

The Career Law Clerk manages a large docket of civil and criminal cases and has primary responsibilities regarding the drafting and finalizing of opinions and orders. This fast-paced "Rocket Docket" District demands excellent writing and analytical skills. The successful applicant must meet multiple deadlines in a timely and organized fashion and must be able to produce written materials (i.e. orders, opinions, etc.) quickly and accurately. Flexibility to meet demanding deadlines and a concomitant strong work ethic are both required. Candidates must maintain a courteous and professional demeanor within chambers, the Court, and the Bar, and before the public.

At the time of appointment, the candidate must meet the following minimum requirements:

• A graduate of an ABA accredited law school with an excellent law school record (top 10% ranking and law review editorial board experience is preferred).
• Possess a legal license, with Virginia Bar membership preferred but not required.
• A strong work ethic, collaborative spirit, and "can do" and resourceful attitude.
• The ability to thrive and lift up others in an environment that is mission-centered, deadline-driven, team-based, and highly dynamic.
• Demonstrated excellence in performing legal research, writing, and analysis.
• Extensive skills in computer assisted research, and proficiency in Microsoft Word, Adobe PDF, Outlook, Zoom and Microsoft Teams is required.
• Strong attention to detail, including meticulous editing skills.
• Ability and desire to work as part of a team, including being a thought partner for others, and to take collective ownership of the work and well-being of chambers.
• Exceptional verbal, written, and interpersonal skills, including a demonstrated ability to communicate well and respectfully with persons of diverse backgrounds, identities, and abilities; a talent for adapting quickly and effectively; and awareness of what helps others do their jobs well.
• Work habits that result in being consistently prepared, very organized, and able to anticipate challenges and propose solutions.
• The capability to receive feedback well and to provide feedback constructively.
• Respect for the role of the judiciary within our constitutional structure.
• At least five years of legal experience after law school (federal judicial law clerk experience is strongly preferred).
• Eligibility for a Top Secret/SCI level national security clearance.

To qualify for JSP 14, an applicant must have at least five years of legal work experience after obtaining a juris doctor degree, and two of the five years must be law clerk experience in the federal judiciary.