The United States District Court for the District of North Dakota has announced an opening for a term law clerk position in the chambers of U.S. District Judge Peter D. Welte, based in Fargo. The role is set to begin in August 2027 and will conclude in August 2029.
According to the court, the principal responsibilities include researching federal and state law issues, drafting legal memoranda, opinions, and orders, as well as attending court proceedings on both criminal and civil matters. The law clerk will also interact with chambers staff, court personnel, litigants, and attorneys while providing legal support to Judge Welte.
Applicants are required to have strong academic credentials from an ABA-accredited law school along with excellent research and writing skills. A high level of analytical ability is expected. Proficiency in understanding the Rules of Professional Conduct, Judicial Canons, and confidentiality rules applicable to judicial clerks is necessary. Only United States citizens may apply.
The salary range for this position is between $74,678 and $106,437 (JSP 11/1 – 13/1), depending on qualifications and experience. While this position does not provide tenure rights associated with competitive Civil Service roles, it does offer standard federal benefits such as holidays and insurance options. Employment requires mandatory direct deposit of pay and passing a criminal background check.
The court emphasizes its status as an Equal Opportunity Employer (EEO) with an established Employment Dispute Resolution Plan. Applications are kept confidential throughout the process.
Interested candidates should submit a cover letter detailing their qualifications and interest in federal court work; a resume including three professional references; a law school transcript; a legal writing sample primarily authored by the applicant; and a completed AO-78 application form available at https://www.uscourts.gov/forms-rules/forms/application-judicial-branch-federal-employment via email to NDD_Jobs@ndd.uscourts.gov.
