Pro Se Staff Attorney

Summary

The Pro Se Staff Attorney works closely with the district judges and chambers staff to resolve litigation filed by pro se prisoners and detainees, including § 1983 and post-conviction habeas matters. The position involves performing initial case screening, preparing draft opinions and orders, and overseeing procedural compliance. This position is on-site in our Richmond division.

Duties

Duties and responsibilities include: taking primary responsibility for and efficiently managing the flow of a portion of the Court's pro se detainee and prisoner dockets; providing substantive legal analysis of pleadings and making recommendations directly to the district judges regarding the dispositions of motions; drafting appropriate orders and opinions for review by district judges; providing information to district judges and Court staff on legal issues unique to prisoner litigation; evaluating existing procedures and developing and implementing improved processes for the adjudication of the Court's pro se prisoner litigation; collaborating with other staff attorneys and chambers law clerks; and performing other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Law school graduate (top quarter or law review required), with at least three years of professional legal experience. Strong preference for attorneys with federal clerkship experience and/or experience working on § 1983 and habeas corpus issues. Computer proficiency in Windows applications, word processing ability in Microsoft Word, and experience with computer-assisted legal research are required. Applicants must have the ability to analyze complex legal issues and understand a wide range of legal concepts, principles, and practices as they relate to prisoner and post-conviction litigation; perform legal research and write accurately and expeditiously; communicate complex issues clearly with a professional demeanor; set priorities; and manage work with limited supervision. Applicants must be detail-oriented and possess excellent organizational skills.

Education

Law school graduate (top quarter or law review required).

How You Will Be Evaluated

All applications will be reviewed to identify the best qualified candidates. Only applicants selected for an interview will be notified. Applicants not selected for an interview will not receive notice concerning the status of their application. Preference will be given to candidates who are able to start as soon as possible.

Required Documents

Cover letter; Detailed résumé including educational background, past employment, and references; Law school transcript; Completed AO 78 Form, Federal Judicial Branch Application for Employment; and Writing sample See 'How to Apply' for instructions.

How to Apply

Priority consideration will be given to applications received by June 1, 2026. The application package should be sent to: The Honorable Mark R. Colombell, United States Magistrate Judge, U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia, 701 E Broad Street, Suite 5212, Richmond, VA 23219. Alternatively, you may email your application materials in one PDF document to: Mara_Shingleton@vaed.uscourts.gov.

What to Expect Next

Only applicants selected for an interview will be notified. Applicants not selected for an interview will not receive notice concerning the status of their application.

Additional Information

Positions with the United States District Court Clerk's Office are Excepted Service appointments. Excepted service appointments are at will and can be terminated with or without cause by the Court. To view the full job announcement please visit our website at www.vaed.uscourts.gov/jobs. The Court reserves the right to modify the conditions of this job announcement, to withdraw the job announcement, or to fill the position sooner than the closing date, if a closing date is shown; any of these actions may occur without any prior written or other type of notice. The United States District Court is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Law school graduate (top quarter or law review required), with at least three years of professional legal experience. Strong preference for attorneys with federal clerkship experience and/or experience working on § 1983 and habeas corpus issues. Computer proficiency in Windows applications, word processing ability in Microsoft Word, and experience with computer-assisted legal research are required. Applicants must have the ability to analyze complex legal issues and understand a wide range of legal concepts, principles, and practices as they relate to prisoner and post-conviction litigation; perform legal research and write accurately and expeditiously; communicate complex issues clearly with a professional demeanor; set priorities; and manage work with limited supervision. Applicants must be detail-oriented and possess excellent organizational skills.