Temporary Law Clerk

Job Details for Temporary Law Clerk Court Name/Organization California Southern District Court Overview of the Position The U.S District Court for the Southern District of California is accepting applications for the position of Temporary Law Clerk to U.S. District Judge Barry Ted Moskowitz. The appointment is expected to last a duration of 20 weeks with a start date on or around June 11, 2026. At the discretion of the judge, the candidate may be eligible to extend the temporary position into a term clerk position. Location San Diego, CA Opening and Closing Dates 06/05/2026 - Open Until Filled Appointment Type Permanent Classification Level/Grade JSP Salary $85,307 - $158,062 Announcement Number 26-26 Position Description Provide information and guidance to the judge in connection with pending civil and criminal litigation. Conduct research and draft orders for the judge's review. Review complaints, petitions, motions, and pleadings that have been filed to determine issues involved and basis for relief. Manage special projects and other administrative duties for the judge as needed. Serve as a liaison between the Court and litigants and correspond with other court officials and personnel as needed. Review docket of pending litigation to assure progress. Keep abreast of changes in the law to aid the Court. Perform other duties as assigned. Qualifications To qualify for the position of Temporary Law Clerk to a U.S. District Judge, an individual must be a law school graduate. At least one year of previous federal clerkship experience or one year of experience litigating in federal court is required; a minimum of two years of experience litigating in federal court is strongly preferred. The applicant must be able to conduct legal research, draft orders, assist the judge during courtroom proceedings, and perform other duties as assigned. Bar Membership & Salary Level To be placed at Grades 12 or 13, you must be a member in good standing of the bar of a state, territory, or federal court of general jurisdiction. For attorneys entering the federal court system for the first time, to qualify for grade 12, an individual must have one year of legal work experience after graduation from law school. To qualify for grade 13, an individual must have two years of legal work experience after graduation from law school. All entering attorneys will be placed at salary range minimum. For current federal employees, salary placement will be determined by highest previous grade and step. Specialized Experience Legal Work Experience Legal work experience is progressively responsible experience in the practice of law, in legal research, legal administration, or equivalent experience received after graduation from law school. Major or substantial legal activities while in military service may be credited, on a month-for-month basis whether before or after graduation, but not to exceed one year if before graduation from law school. Miscellaneous Personal Characteristics The successful candidate should be mature, responsible, detail-oriented; possess excellent organizational, administrative, project management, and interpersonal skills; be a self-starter who can efficiently handle a busy case load; be able to work harmoniously with others as well as independently; and communicate effectively, both orally and in writing. The ideal candidate must be computer literate, proficient in a Microsoft environment, and familiar with CM/ECF and/or PACER, Lexis Nexis, and Westlaw. This position is best suited for an applicant who is familiar with the federal court system and who can train and adapt quickly. Application Info To apply for this position, please send cover letter, resume, writing sample, law school transcript (unofficial copy acceptable), and a list of three references with contact information. Completed applications should be emailed (preferably in PDF format) to efile_moskowitz@casd.uscourts.gov . The federal Judiciary is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer.