Pro Se Staff Attorney

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

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.