A one-year term law clerk position is open with United States Chief Bankruptcy Judge Shon Hastings in Fargo, North Dakota. The role is set to begin in August 2027 and continue through August 2028, with the possibility of extension. The salary range for this full-time appointment is between $74,678 and $106,427, depending on qualifications and experience.
The selected law clerk will assist Judge Hastings by conducting legal research, drafting orders and opinions, managing case preparations for court conferences, attending hearings and trials, and performing administrative tasks. Applicants must have completed law school or be awaiting their degree conferral, be ranked in the top half of their class, and hold U.S. citizenship. Preferred qualifications include participation in law review or moot court, high academic honors such as election to the Order of the Coif, or prior judicial clerkship or externship experience.
Benefits for this position are similar to those provided to other federal employees but do not include eligibility for the Federal Employee Retirement System or Thrift Savings Plan. Other benefits include paid holidays, subsidized medical coverage with pre-tax premiums, group life insurance options, long-term care options, a flexible benefits program for health care and dependents using pre-tax dollars, and optional participation in the Federal Employees Group Life Insurance program.
Applicants should submit a cover letter, resume with class rank and references, law school transcript, writing sample, and a completed application form (AO-78) via email to marybeth_hegstad@ndb.uscourts.gov. Letters of recommendation are welcome but not required.
“Only qualified applicants will be considered for this position. Relocation expenses will not be reimbursed. Applicants selected for interviews must travel at their own expense.” Additionally: “The successful candidate for this position is subject to a full National Crime Information Center (NCIC) background records check, and a mandatory electronic direct deposit of salary payment. All court employees are at-will employees, and therefore the appointee may be removed from this position at any time.” The announcement also notes that travel may be required.
“The court reserves the right to modify the conditions of this job announcement or to withdraw the job announcement without prior notice.” The United States Bankruptcy Court requires adherence to confidentiality policies and compliance with its Code of Conduct as applicable to judiciary employees. “The United States Bankruptcy Court is an Equal Opportunity Employer.”
Applications will be accepted until the position is filled but no later than May 31, 2026.
