Pro Se Staff Attorney

Closing Date: 9th August, 2024

Description:

Summary:
The Pro Se Staff Attorney provides legal advice and assistance to the District Judges in connection with non-habeas corpus civil cases involving pro se litigants, the majority of which allege civil rights violations. The Pro Se Staff Attorney monitors the filings in such cases and drafts appropriate opinions and orders.

Duties:

• Performs substantive screening of all non-habeas corpus civil cases filed by unrepresented inmates and detainees and initial screening of non-prisoner pro se litigation. Drafts appropriate orders for the Court's signature.
• Monitors all civil cases (not including section 2254 and 2255 habeas corpus motions) involving pro se litigants to make sure the cases are properly progressing. Advises the Court when action needs to be taken and prepares orders and opinions responsive to the needs of the case.
• Performs research, as required, to assist the Court in preparing opinions.
• Compiles statistics and prepares periodic reports, as required, that reflect the status and flow of cases. Identifies problem areas, makes recommendations, and offers solutions, as required by the Court, Administrative Office, and other officials.
• Keeps abreast of changes in the law to aid the Court in adjusting to new legislation in the pro se area.
• Provides assistance to Clerk of Court staff when necessary.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Requirements:
Conditions of Employment:
The Pro Se Staff Attorney is a sensitive position. The selected candidate will be subject to an FBI fingerprint check as a condition of employment, and may be subject to periodic updates.

Qualifications:
To qualify for a JSP-13, applicant must have two years of legal work experience and bar membership. To qualify for JSP-14, applicant must have three years of legal work experience and bar membership.

Education:
To qualify for the position of Pro Se Staff Attorney, an individual must be a law school graduate from a law school of recognized standing, and have demonstrated one or more of the following accomplishments or proficiencies:

• Standing within the upper third of the law school class from a law school on the approved list of either the American Bar Association or the Association of American Law Schools;
• Experience on the editorial board of a law review of such a school;
• Graduation from such a school with an LLM degree; or
• Demonstrated proficiency in legal studies which in the opinion of the judge is the equivalent of one of the above.
  

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