Career Law Clerk to United States Bankruptcy Judge (DSC)

Summary

The United States Bankruptcy Court for the Northern District of Alabama, Southern Division (DSC), is accepting applications for a career law clerk. A career law clerk to a United States Bankruptcy Judge performs substantive research, writing, and review on matters pending before the Court, and he or she should have knowledge of the Bankruptcy Code, the Federal Rules of Bankruptcy Procedure, and the practice of law. Preference will be given to applications received by September 30, 2026.

Duties

A career law clerk's responsibilities include, but are not limited to: Drafting opinions, oral rulings, orders, and other documents; Assisting with the preparation of dockets; Performing legal research; Reviewing schedules, pleadings, and other filings in commercial and consumer bankruptcy cases and adversary proceedings; Monitoring deadlines, case activity, and the court calendar; Attending courtroom proceedings and assisting with case oversight; Assisting with the judge's review and electronic signature of orders; Assisting with the Court's judicial conflict list; Assisting with administrative tasks of chambers; Drafting continuing legal education materials; Working cooperatively with the judge, other members of chambers staff, and employees of the bankruptcy clerk; Overseeing the work performed by the term law clerk and intern(s); and Performing other duties as assigned by the Court.

Requirements

Applicants must be U.S. citizens. The applicant selected will be subject to a background check and a subsequent favorable suitability determination. An applicant may be hired provisionally pending successful completion of the necessary background check. Law clerks are required to adhere to the Code of Conduct for Judicial Employees as well as human resource policies of the Judiciary. The Code of Conduct is available at https://www.uscourts.gov/rules-policies/judiciary-policies/code-conduct/code-conduct-judicial-employees. This position is subject to mandatory electronic funds transfer participation for payment of net pay.

Qualifications and evaluation

Applicants will be evaluated on their qualifications and ability to perform the duties of the position satisfactorily.

Education

Law school graduate at the time of appointment (or be certified as having completed all law school studies and requirements and merely awaiting conferment of degree) from a law school of recognized standing.

Benefits

Career law clerks are eligible for federal employment benefits, including paid federal holidays, paid leave, health insurance, dental and vision insurance, life insurance, flexible spending benefits, and retirement benefits.

How to apply

Applicants may email your information to bhamlcresumes@alnb.uscourts.gov; or alternatively, this Announcement will be posted at https://oscar.uscourts.gov/, the Online System for Clerkship Application and Review (OSCAR). Applicants may instead submit your information through the OSCAR website on or before September 30, 2026. Please reference Vacancy Announcement 2026-05 on your email and cover letter. If selected for this position, additional documents such as Form AO-78 and a copy of your school transcripts will likely be required.

Required documents

A cover letter; A current resume; One writing sample (10 pages or less); Contact information for up to three professional references. See 'How to Apply' for instructions.

Additional information

A career law clerk is an "at will" employee serving at the discretion and instruction of the judge. Accordingly, a career law clerk's employment may be terminated "at will" by either the judge or the employee. The Court reserves the right to modify the conditions of this Announcement or to withdraw this Announcement without any prior written notice or other notice. The United States Bankruptcy Court for the Northern District of Alabama, Southern Division, is an Equal Opportunity Employer.