Job Description
Summary The Federal Judicial Center (Center) is the federal courts' agency for research and continuing education. Congress established the Center in 1967 as a separate organization within the federal judicial system at the request of the Judicial Conference of the United States. A nine-member board, chaired by the Chief Justice of the United States, determines its basic policies.
This job is open to - Students Current students enrolled in an accredited high school, college or graduate institution.
Clarification from the agency One or more vacancies may be filled with this announcement. Applicants must be current law students.
Duties The primary duties and responsibilities of the law student research assistant are to provide support to Research Division project teams in the design and conduct of social science and legal research aimed at discovering innovative or improved approaches to the judicial administration in federal appellate, district, and bankruptcy courts.
Specific duties and responsibilities, generally exercised under the guidance of a Research Associate or Senior Research Associate, may include support with:
- Conducting legal research and literature reviews;
- Reviewing and summarizing court policies and procedures;
- Cite-checking documents;
- Developing research instruments such as interview protocols, questionnaires, and coding protocols;
- Organizing and coding court-related data;
- Creating tables and graphs to present research findings; and
- Writing reports of research findings.
The Federal Judicial Center offers a range of telework and flexible work schedule options based on the employee's position categorization. The Law Student Research Assistant position is a remote-eligible position and will not require relocation.
Requirements Conditions of Employment KEY REQUIREMENTS: - You must be a United States Citizen, subject to the exceptions enumerated at
- Selectee must favorably complete a background investigation.
- Relatives of Center staff members may not be employed at the Center in any capacity.
- All requirements must be met for full consideration.
The Federal Judicial Center is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to achieving a diverse workforce and an inclusive work culture. It strives to maintain a professional and collegial workplace in which everyone is valued and treated fairly and respectfully. Qualifications - Currently enrolled and seeking a law degree at an accredited educational institution, on a full-time basis;
- Strong legal research, analytical, and writing skills; and
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills, including the ability to work collaboratively.
Summer law student research assistants are asked to commit to at least eight weeks of employment for 30 to 39 hours per week.
Spring and fall semester law student research assistants are asked to commit to 12 to 15 hours per week.
Law student research assistants are limited to working a maximum of 39 hours per week.
Education Currently enrolled and seeking a law degree at an accredited educational institution, on a full-time basis.
Additional information Salary and Benefits - Law Students (first and second year): $19.65 per hour
- Law Students (third year or completed degree): $22.11 per hour
This position is part time. Benefits are not applicable for this position.
- Benefits Review our benefits
How You Will Be Evaluated You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.
Please read the "Next steps" section for more information.
- Benefits Review our benefits
- Required Documents As a new or existing federal employee, you and your family may have access to a range of benefits. Your benefits depend on the type of position you have - whether you're a permanent, part-time, temporary or an intermittent employee. You may be eligible for the following benefits, however, check with your agency to make sure you're eligible under their policies. Please see the "How to Apply" section. If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements: Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from
schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating. - How to Apply APPLICATION PROCEDURES: The Federal Judicial Center recruits law student research assistants for the Fall, Spring and Summer semesters. Fall Semester dates: September - December. Fall Semester application deadline: July 10, 2024 Spring Semester dates: January - April. Spring Semester application deadline: October 1, 2024 Summer Semester dates: May - August. Summer Semester application deadline: March 3, 2025 Applications are accepted on a rolling basis, and should include the following materials:
- Cover letter explaining how you meet the qualifications stated above, and indicating whether you are applying for Summer, Fall, and/or Spring;
- Unofficial transcript or proof of enrollment;
- Resume; and
- The name and contact information of at least one reference.
Please email all application materials to ResearchHiring@fjc.gov . You may also direct any questions about the position to this address. Agency contact information Beth Wiggins Email
ResearchHiring@fjc.gov Address Federal Judicial Center Thurgood Marshall Federal Judiciary Building One Columbus Circle, N.E. Washington, DC 20002-8003 US Next steps N/A. - Fair and Transparent The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
- Criminal history inquiries
- Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Policy
- Financial suitability
- New employee probationary period
- Privacy Act
- Reasonable accommodation policy
- Selective Service
- Signature and false statements
- Social security number request
Required Documents Please see the "How to Apply" section.
If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements: Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from
schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.
How to Apply APPLICATION PROCEDURES: The Federal Judicial Center recruits law student research assistants for the Fall, Spring and Summer semesters.
Fall Semester dates: September - December. Fall Semester application deadline: July 10, 2024
Spring Semester dates: January - April. Spring Semester application deadline: October 1, 2024
Summer Semester dates: May - August. Summer Semester application deadline: March 3, 2025
Applications are accepted on a rolling basis, and should include the following materials:
- Cover letter explaining how you meet the qualifications stated above, and indicating whether you are applying for Summer, Fall, and/or Spring;
- Unofficial transcript or proof of enrollment;
- Resume; and
- The name and contact information of at least one reference.
Please email all application materials to
ResearchHiring@fjc.gov . You may also direct any questions about the position to this address.
Agency contact information Beth Wiggins
Email
ResearchHiring@fjc.gov
Address
Federal Judicial Center
Thurgood Marshall Federal Judiciary Building
One Columbus Circle, N.E.
Washington, DC 20002-8003
US
Next steps N/A.
Fair & Transparent The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
- Criminal history inquiries
- Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Policy
- Financial suitability
- New employee probationary period
- Privacy Act
- Reasonable accommodation policy
- Selective Service
- Signature and false statements
- Social security number request
Judicial Branch - Agency Wide
Job Tags
Hourly pay, Permanent employment, Full time, Temporary work, Part time, Summer work, Relocation, Flexible hours,