Career Law Clerk

The U. S. Bankruptcy Court for the Eastern District of Texas is recruiting a Career Law Clerk to serve U.S. Bankruptcy Judge Joshua P. Searcy. A Law Clerk to a U.S. Bankruptcy Judge works closely with the Court and performs substantive review, legal research, and writing on matters pending before the Court, and other administrative matters within Chambers. These duties require good organizational and strong interpersonal skills.

Representative Duties:

• Performs legal research.

• Drafts legal documents addressing various issues arising in bankruptcy proceedings.

• Assists the judge during court proceedings and reviews orders.

• Reviews motions, applications, petitions, complaints, and other pleadings filed with the Court to determine the issues involved and the basis for relief.

• Drafts proposed opinions, memorandum decisions, and orders.

• Reviews electronic case files and briefs judge on critical issues prior to hearing and trials.

• Presents cases and motions to judge and explains (orally and in writing) the proposed recommendation and any choices to be made.

• Provides administrative office functions such as editing, proofreading, telephone

communication, written correspondence, scheduling, and term clerk supervision.

• Keeps abreast of changes in the law and briefs the judge.

• Travels to attend hearings and conferences.

• Performs other day‐to‐day law clerk duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:

To qualify for the position of law clerk on the personal staff of a federal judge, an applicant must possess the following:

• Graduation from an accredited law school.

• Admission to practice law before the highest court of a state, territory, commonwealth, or possession of the United States.

• A strong academic background.

• Superior legal research, analytical, writing and editing skills.

• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability and desire to work in a team environment.

• Ability to work independently or as a team player with a positive attitude.

Preferred Qualifications:

• At least 5 years’ experience, including time in private practice and prior judicial

clerkships, if any

• Strong academic record.

• Exceptional managerial, organizational and computer skills.

• Ability to meet deadlines and be punctual for meetings and hearings.

• Member in good standing with a state bar.

• Ability to maintain confidentiality; possesses good judgment, maturity, and

dependability and is responsible; self‐starter and demonstrates initiative in problem-solving.

• Ability to work to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, and to present a poised, professional appearance and demeanor at all times.

• Strong people and time management skills with the ability to meet and manage many changing priorities and demands.

• Familiarity with bankruptcy law through practice experience.

Background Check and Other Requirements:

As a condition of employment, the selected candidate will be subject to a background check which will include criminal history and FBI fingerprinting. The selected candidate may be appointed provisionally, and retention will depend upon a favorable suitability determination of the background check. The applicant must be a United States citizen or provide documentation proving eligibility to work in the United States.

Additional Information:

This position is subject to mandatory Electronic Funds Transfer participation for payment of net pay. The Court does not reimburse interview costs and/or relocation expenses. The U. S. Bankruptcy Court is part of the Judicial Branch of the U. S. Government. Employees of the U. S. Bankruptcy Court are “At Will” employees and can be terminated with or without cause at any time. Employees are required to adhere to a Code of Conduct for Judicial Employees which is available upon request.

Benefits:

Federal benefits include health, dental, vision and life insurance, flexible spending plan, participation in the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS), participation in a Thrift Savings Plan (with employer matching a percentage of employee’s contribution), and eleven (11) paid holidays. Telework flexibility is also available, subject to the Judge’s discretion and Court needs.

Application Process:

Submit all required documents in a portable document file (PDF) format via email with the subject line “HR Confidential” 2025-01 to: kim_dixon@txeb.uscourts.gov.

The application package consists of the following:

1) Cover letter addressing qualifications and relevant experience.

2) Application for Judicial Branch Employment (Form AO‐78). Application may be found on the US Court’s website: https://www.uscourts.gov/forms-rules/forms/application-judicial-branch-federal-employment. Complete the entire form including the optional questions.

3) Detailed current resume.

4) Copy of law school transcript and bar membership, if applicable.

5) Two legal writing samples not to exceed 15 pages each, and not heavily edited by others.

Only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.

Candidates selected for interviews must travel at their own expense.

The court reserves the right to modify the conditions of this job announcement, withdraw the announcement, or fill the position at any time, any of which may occur without prior written notice.

The United States Bankruptcy Court is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

About East Texas and Tyler: Located approximately one hour and a half east of Dallas, and one hour and a half west of Shreveport, Tyler is rich in natural beauty and local charm. A historic center of the oil and gas industry, Tyler today boasts a diversified economy, is a central hub of northeast Texas, and is a great place to raise a family. Greater East Texas is home to numerous possible outdoor activities, forests, interesting small towns, and unique history.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $88,621.00 - $161,889.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Flexible spending account
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Parental leave
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• Monday to Friday

Work Location: In person

Salary : $88,621 - $161,889