Judicial Law/Administrative Clerk - Alexandria, VA

Job Duties

The Honorable Vernida R. Chaney of the Court of Appeals, Alexandria, Virginia, is seeking applicants for a full-time clerkship for immediate hire for the 2026-2027 term. 

Competitive salary with full state employee benefits package, including paid holidays, sick and personal leave, health insurance, retirement, life insurance, deferred compensation, short- and long-term disability.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

The law clerk’s principal responsibilities are legal research, analysis, and drafting; the position also includes administrative and courtroom support.  Chambers operates on strict statutory and internal deadlines, and the workload can be demanding, particularly during argument sessions. 

• Conduct independent, comprehensive legal research and analysis, and provide recommendations.
• Review petitions, motions, and appellate filings, and prepare bench memoranda.
• Assist the judge in preparing for oral arguments, conferences, and case discussions.  
• Analyze and summarize appellate briefs and trial records, including transcripts, pleadings, exhibits, and digital evidence, in clear, well-reasoned writing.  
• Draft court opinions and orders consistent with the judge’s instructions.  
• Conduct citation, quote, and record checks of briefs, pleadings, judicial opinions, and other documents.
• Proofread and cite-check the judge’s drafts before circulation. 
• Maintain and organize electronic case files, records, and databases, including use of the court’s case management and filing system.
• Track chambers’ internal and external deadlines, drafting progress, and workflow. 
• Serve as a liaison between chambers and court administration, the clerk’s office, and other chambers on case processing, scheduling, and administrative matters. 
• Attend oral argument hearings and operate the timer and recording equipment.
• Coordinate logistics for oral argument hearings and chambers-related activities.
• Collaborate closely with the judge, co-law clerks, and interns. 
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Professional Expectations:

• Communicate professionally and courteously with other judges, their chambers, court staff, and the public.
• Follow court and chambers policies, procedures, and rules, and uphold the highest ethical standards.   
   

Minimum Qualifications

The most competitive candidates will possess:

• Juris Doctor degree from an ABA-approved law school, or membership in good standing of the bar of the Supreme Court of Virginia or the highest court of another state. 
• United States citizenship or permanent legal residency and a criminal background check (conducted before employment offer extended) required.
• Demonstrated integrity, exceptional work ethic, and time-management and organizational skills; proven ability to evaluate and synthesize voluminous materials while meeting critical deadlines; and excellent analytical, writing, editing, oral communication, interpersonal, and problem-solving skills.
• Competence with legal research platforms (Lexis), Bluebook citation format, Microsoft Office, OneDrive, Teams, computer-based case tracking, and online productivity tools.

Preferred Qualifications

• Prior legal, clerkship, or internship experience in one or more of the following areas: criminal, civil, domestic relations, workers’ compensation, or administrative agency law. 
• Law review, moot court, or judicial-writing coursework. 
• Working knowledge of trial and appellate court procedures, systems, and rules.  
• Familiarity with Virginia-specific case law, rules, and procedures. 
• Demonstrated interest in appellate practice, public service, or the judicial process, through coursework, continuing legal education, clinical or pro bono work, prior employment, or volunteer service

Additional Considerations
A cover letter, resume, references, and two writing samples are required. Applicants must apply online; we do not accept documents via mail or email. Only interviewed applicants will be notified of the filling of the position. No phone calls or emails regarding application status

A criminal background check is required.
 

Contact Information

Email: Humanresources@VACourts.gov