Pro Se Staff Attorney

Position:                             Pro Se Staff Attorney

Position Number:              USDC 26-08

Closing Date:                     Open until filled; priority consideration to applications received by March 24, 2026

Salary Range:                     $ 90,823 - $165,917 (JSP 12 - 14) [salary commensurate with experience]

Location:                            San Antonio, Texas

The United States District Court for the Western District of Texas is currently accepting applications for the position of Pro Se Staff Attorney. The position will be located in San Antonio, Texas. Based on current data, funding for the position is expected to last at least until December 31, 2028, and may be renewed thereafter, depending on the availability of funds. Preferred start date for this position is April 2026 however start date may be negotiable based on current law clerk term commitments.    

Description of Duties: The Pro Se Staff Attorney performs substantive screening of all prisoner petitions and motions, including state habeas corpus petitions, immigration habeas corpus petitions, motions to vacate sentence, and civil rights complaints; performs substantive screening of other pro se litigation; drafts appropriate recommendations and orders for the Court’s signature; performs research to assist the Court in preparing opinions; maintains liaison between the Court and litigants; reviews the docket of pending prisoner litigation to assure the proper progress of such cases and advises the Court of those cases where action by the Court is appropriate; compiles statistics and prepares periodic reports which reflect the status and flow of cases; and performs other duties, as assigned. 

Qualifications: Graduation from an accredited law school, membership (in good standing) with a State Bar, and at least one year of full-time post J.D. legal experience.   A strong work ethic, and excellent organizational, communication, and research and writing skills are required.  Applicant must possess proficient typing and personal computer skills.   

Application Procedures: Qualified candidates may apply by submitting a cover letter, current resume with daytime telephone number and e-mail address, a list of at least three references, salary history and requirements, writing sample, and law school transcripts to: www.txwd.uscourts.gov > Court Info > Jobs > Current Employment Opportunities & Online Application.  

* The United States District Court is an Equal Opportunity Employer *

Although this position acts in capacity of a Staff Attorney, the official job title for this position is Pro Se Law Clerk and all official appointment documents after hire will reference that title. The Court reserves the right to modify the conditions of this job announcement, to withdraw the announcement, or to fill the position sooner than the closing date without prior notice. The U.S. District Court requires employees to adhere to a Code of Ethics and Conduct. This court provides reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and interview process, please notify the local human resources representative. The decision on granting reasonable accommodations will be made on a case-by-case basis. The Court is not authorized to reimburse travel expenses for interviews or relocation.  This position is subject to mandatory electronic direct deposit of salary payments.  Please note final candidates will undergo a fingerprint and credit check.

Salary : $90,823 - $165,917