The United States District Court for the District of North Dakota announced on Apr. 13 a job opening for a full-time term law clerk position with U.S. Magistrate Judge Alice R. Senechal in Fargo, North Dakota. The two-year term will begin in August 2027 and end in August 2029.
This announcement is significant as it offers recent law graduates or early-career attorneys an opportunity to gain experience working within the federal judiciary system.
The principal duties of the position include researching substantive issues of federal and state law, drafting legal opinions and orders, assisting with case management responsibilities, attending court proceedings, interacting professionally with court staff and attorneys, and performing other assigned tasks. The salary range is from $74,678 to $106,437 depending on qualifications and experience.
Applicants must have graduated from a law school approved by either the American Bar Association or the Association of American Law Schools. Additional qualifications include ranking within the upper third of their class, having experience writing for a legal publication or journal, or demonstrating proficiency in legal studies through honors such as Order of the Coif or participation in moot court competitions. Candidates must also be U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents seeking citizenship.
The position includes federal government benefits but does not carry tenure rights associated with competitive Civil Service roles. Selected applicants will be required to undergo a criminal background check and adhere to ethical standards outlined by the court’s code of conduct.
Applications should be submitted via email in PDF format and must include a cover letter, resume, law school transcript, and completed judicial branch employment application form AO-78.
