Support research teams designing and conducting social science and legal research on federal courts
Conduct legal research, literature reviews, and cite-checking of documents
Develop research instruments like interview protocols, questionnaires, and coding protocols
Organize and code court data; create tables, graphs, and research reports
What they're looking for
Currently enrolled full-time in accredited law degree program (JD or LLM)
Strong legal research, analytical, and writing skills
Strong interpersonal and communication skills for collaborative work
U.S. citizen; must pass background investigation
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.
The Research Division undertakes empirical research related to the operation of the federal courts, often at the request of the Judicial Conference of the United States and its committees, specific courts, or other groups in the federal court system. 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
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.
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
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 requirements
KEY REQUIREMENTS: Selectee must be a United States Citizen, subject to the exceptions enumerated at https://www.uscourts.gov/careers/search-judiciary-jobs/citizenship-requirements-employment-judiciary. 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 professional and collegial workplace in which everyone is valued and treated fairly and respectfully.
How to apply
APPLICATION PROCEDURES: The Federal Judicial Center recruits law student research assistants for the Fall, Spring and Summer semesters. Applicants must be current law students (JD or LLM). Fall Semester dates: September - December. Fall Semester application deadline: July 5 Spring Semester dates: January - April. Spring Semester application deadline: September 27 Summer Semester dates: May - August. Summer Semester application deadline: February 28 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 if you are a first semester student)
Resume
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.
From Judicial Branch Headquarters's public posting, laid out for reading by newgrad.ai with the wording unchanged. Check the original before you apply.
