Term Law Clerk
United States Courts, Cape Girardeau, MO, United States
Overview
The position of Term Law Clerk to U.S. Magistrate Judge Abbie Crites Leoni will begin June 1, 2026, in Cape Girardeau, Missouri. This is a full‑time in‑office position subject to a term limit of four years.
Responsibilities
Provide legal, clerical, and administrative support related to a high‑volume criminal caseload, including docket management and coordination of criminal and civil proceedings.
Draft various scheduling orders and other necessary documents following review of daily filings.
Research substantive issues of federal and state law.
Draft legal memoranda, opinions, and orders.
Support the Judge in preparation for hearings and trials.
Coordinate the judge’s calendar and travel logistics, monitoring the docket, case filings, and deadlines.
Compile and arrange information and data, and prepare required periodic reports regarding court and non‑court activities.
Oversee day‑to‑day operational management of Chambers, coordinating general activities and serving as liaison for physical needs of Chambers, including supplies, law library, heating/cooling, lighting, and cleaning.
Perform a wide variety of special projects at the judge’s request, such as event planning or related tasks. Infrequent travel to the St. Louis courthouse for training, court proceedings, and other activities.
Exhibit the highest standards of excellence and integrity.
Perform any other duties as assigned.
Qualifications
To qualify for the position of term law clerk, a candidate must be a law school graduate (or have completed all law school studies and awaiting conferment of degree) from an American Bar Association‑accredited law school or the Association of American Law Schools, and must demonstrate one of the following:
Standing within the upper third of the law school class.
Experience on the editorial board of a law review of such a school.
Graduation with an LLM degree from such a school.
Proficiency in legal studies equivalent to one of the above, as judged by the appointing Judge (e.g., publication of a noteworthy article, special academic honors such as election to the Order of the Coif, or moot court competition success).
One or more years of litigation practice experience is preferred. The number of years of legal work experience and bar membership may affect salary. Legal work experience may include practice of law, legal research, or legal administration after law school graduation.
Applicants must be U.S. citizens or eligible to work in the United States. Proof of citizenship is required at appointment.
Employee Benefits
Benefits include federal employees’ group health, dental, vision, and a commuter or parking subsidy. Judiciary employees serve under excepted appointments (not civil service). Excepted appointments are at will and may be terminated with or without cause.
The federal Judiciary is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer.
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The position of Term Law Clerk to U.S. Magistrate Judge Abbie Crites Leoni will begin June 1, 2026, in Cape Girardeau, Missouri. This is a full‑time in‑office position subject to a term limit of four years.
Responsibilities
Provide legal, clerical, and administrative support related to a high‑volume criminal caseload, including docket management and coordination of criminal and civil proceedings.
Draft various scheduling orders and other necessary documents following review of daily filings.
Research substantive issues of federal and state law.
Draft legal memoranda, opinions, and orders.
Support the Judge in preparation for hearings and trials.
Coordinate the judge’s calendar and travel logistics, monitoring the docket, case filings, and deadlines.
Compile and arrange information and data, and prepare required periodic reports regarding court and non‑court activities.
Oversee day‑to‑day operational management of Chambers, coordinating general activities and serving as liaison for physical needs of Chambers, including supplies, law library, heating/cooling, lighting, and cleaning.
Perform a wide variety of special projects at the judge’s request, such as event planning or related tasks. Infrequent travel to the St. Louis courthouse for training, court proceedings, and other activities.
Exhibit the highest standards of excellence and integrity.
Perform any other duties as assigned.
Qualifications
To qualify for the position of term law clerk, a candidate must be a law school graduate (or have completed all law school studies and awaiting conferment of degree) from an American Bar Association‑accredited law school or the Association of American Law Schools, and must demonstrate one of the following:
Standing within the upper third of the law school class.
Experience on the editorial board of a law review of such a school.
Graduation with an LLM degree from such a school.
Proficiency in legal studies equivalent to one of the above, as judged by the appointing Judge (e.g., publication of a noteworthy article, special academic honors such as election to the Order of the Coif, or moot court competition success).
One or more years of litigation practice experience is preferred. The number of years of legal work experience and bar membership may affect salary. Legal work experience may include practice of law, legal research, or legal administration after law school graduation.
Applicants must be U.S. citizens or eligible to work in the United States. Proof of citizenship is required at appointment.
Employee Benefits
Benefits include federal employees’ group health, dental, vision, and a commuter or parking subsidy. Judiciary employees serve under excepted appointments (not civil service). Excepted appointments are at will and may be terminated with or without cause.
The federal Judiciary is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer.
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