Law Clerk to Louise W. Flanagan, United States District Judge

Louise W. Flanagan United States District Judge for the Eastern District of North Carolina is recruiting for a term law clerk position commencing on or about April 20 2026 and ending on or about September 30 2027. The term law clerk provides legal research and writing assistance prepares bench memos assists with orders and opinions assists during trials hearings conferences and other court proceedings in a variety of cases assigned to Judge Flanagan with a focus on pro se prisoner and post-conviction cases.

This position is being advertised at JSP 11 - 14 depending on experience.

Applications that are received by the initial cut-off date of March 25 2026 will be given first consideration.

To qualify for the position the candidate must possess the following minimum requirements:

Judge Flanagan prefers applicants who rank in the top 15% of their class and serve on law review although applicants not ranked or with other journal experience will be considered. Three letters of recommendation are required. If called for an interview one writing sample will be requested at that time. Your cover letter should include discussion of reason(s) for your interest in working in Judge Flanagans chambers in New Bern North Carolina.

Applicants must be United States citizens or lawful permanent residents actively seeking citizenship. Judicial Branch employees are considered at will employees and are not subject to the employment regulations of competitive service. Electronic Fund Transfer (EFT) for payroll deposit is required. Salary will be based on experience and qualifications.

To qualify for appointment at the JSP 12 level an applicant must have one year of legal work experience and hold bar membership. Appointment at the JSP 13 level will require two years of legal work experience and bar membership. Appointment at the JSP 14 level will require bar membership and three years of legal work experience with at least two of the three required years of legal work experience served in the federal judiciary.

Applicants will be required to submit to a background investigation (including references and criminal history) prior to an offer of employment being made. The person selected for this position will also be required to submit fingerprints for an FBI background check or other security clearance.


Application Procedures:

Application packages can be submitted either through OSCAR or by visiting packages should include a cover letter resume copy of law school transcript (or law grade sheet if using OSCAR) and three letters of recommendation.

Travel and relocation expenses will not be reimbursed. More than one position may be filled by this vacancy announcement. The court provides reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities. All employees are required to adhere to the Code of Conduct for Judicial Employees which is available for review upon request. The court reserves the right to modify the conditions of this job announcement to withdraw the job announcement or to fill the position at any time before the closing date any of which actions may occur without any prior written or other notice. Due to the volume of applications received only candidates in consideration for this position will be contacted. All questions regarding this vacancy should be directed to Human Resources; please do not call chambers directly.

General questions may be sent via email to