Law Clerk to Louise W. Flanagan, District Judge

Overview

Louise W. Flanagan, United States District Judge for the Eastern District of North Carolina, is recruiting for a term law clerk position commencing on or about April 20, 2026, and ending on or about September 30, 2027. The term law clerk provides legal research and writing assistance, prepares bench memos, assists with orders and opinions, assists during trials, hearings, conferences and other court proceedings, in a variety of cases assigned to Judge Flanagan, with a focus on pro se, prisoner, and post-conviction cases.

This position is being advertised at JSP 11 - 14, depending on experience.

Applications that are received by the initial cut-off date of March 25, 2026, will be given first consideration.

• Be a graduate of a law school with recognized standing, with a strong law school record.
• Possess superior analytical and organizational abilities, legal research and writing skills, and computer and word processing proficiency.

Judge Flanagan prefers applicants who rank in the top 15% of their class and serve on law review, although applicants not ranked or with other journal experience will be considered. Three letters of recommendation are required. If called for an interview, one writing sample will be requested at that time. Your cover letter should include discussion of reason(s) for your interest in working in Judge Flanagan's chambers in New Bern, North Carolina.

Applicants must be United States citizens or lawful permanent residents actively seeking citizenship. Judicial Branch employees are considered "at will" employees and are not subject to the employment regulations of competitive service. Electronic Fund Transfer (EFT) for payroll deposit is required. Salary will be based on experience and qualifications.

To qualify for appointment at the JSP 12 level, an applicant must have one year of legal work experience and hold bar membership. Appointment at the JSP 13 level will require two years of legal work experience and bar membership. Appointment at the JSP 14 level will require bar membership and three years of legal work experience with at least two of the three required years of legal work experience served in the federal judiciary.

Applicants will be required to submit to a background investigation (including references and criminal history) prior to an offer of employment being made. The person selected for this position will also be required to submit fingerprints for an FBI background check or other security clearance.

Application Procedures:

Application packages can be submitted through OSCAR or by visiting the following URL:

Application packages should include a cover letter, resume, copy of law school transcript (or law grade sheet, if using OSCAR), and three letters of recommendation.

Travel and relocation expenses will not be reimbursed. More than one position may be filled by this vacancy announcement. The court provides reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities. All employees are required to adhere to the "Code of Conduct for Judicial Employees" which is available for review upon request. The court reserves the right to modify the conditions of this job announcement, to withdraw the job announcement, or to fill the position at any time before the closing date, any of which actions may occur without any prior written or other notice.

Due to the volume of applications received, only candidates in consideration for this position will be contacted. All questions regarding this vacancy should be directed to Human Resources; please do not call chambers directly.

General questions may be sent via email to ourts.gov