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Federal Courts Jobs (NOW HIRING)

We focus on the federal system but also pay attention to major cases in state courts. Our goal is to write about the courts through the prism of politics, to help our readers understand how the ...

The Managing Clerk is also responsible for relevant electronic filings in all State and Federal courts. The Managing Clerk also provides guidance to attorneys and staff primarily on the State and ...

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Federal Courts information

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$40.5K

$71.3K

$98.5K

How much do federal courts jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for federal courts in the United States is $71,349.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $60,000.00 and $82,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Federal Court Judge, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Federal Court Judge, you need a Juris Doctor (JD) degree, extensive legal experience, and a deep understanding of federal law and judicial procedures. Familiarity with legal research databases, case management systems, and electronic filing tools is typically required. Strong analytical reasoning, impartiality, and excellent written and verbal communication skills set outstanding judges apart. These skills and qualities are crucial for ensuring fair, well-reasoned decisions and upholding public trust in the judicial system.

What is the difference between Federal Courts vs Federal Court Clerks?

AspectFederal CourtsFederal Court Clerks
Primary RoleAdjudicate cases, interpret laws, and resolve disputes at the federal levelAssist judges by managing case files, scheduling, and administrative tasks
Required CredentialsLaw degree, bar admission, legal experienceHigh school diploma or equivalent; some legal or administrative experience
Work EnvironmentCourthouses, federal judicial districtsCourthouses, administrative offices within federal courts
Employer & Industry UsageFederal government, judiciary systemFederal courts, judicial administrative offices

Federal Courts are the judicial bodies that hear and decide cases, while Federal Court Clerks support these courts by handling administrative tasks. The courts focus on legal decision-making, requiring legal credentials, whereas clerks perform clerical duties, often with less formal education. Both roles are essential within the federal judiciary system but serve different functions.

What are the typical daily responsibilities for professionals working in federal courts?

Professionals working in federal courts, such as clerks, court reporters, or case managers, typically handle tasks like managing court documents, preparing case files, and scheduling hearings. They often interact with judges, attorneys, and the public to facilitate courtroom proceedings and ensure compliance with federal procedures. Collaboration is key, as team members coordinate closely to maintain accurate records and meet deadlines. The work environment is usually structured and formal, requiring attention to detail and strong organizational skills.

What are federal courts?

Federal courts are courts established by the United States Constitution and Congress to handle cases involving federal law, disputes between states, and cases involving the Constitution. They are separate from state courts and include the Supreme Court, Courts of Appeals, and District Courts. Federal courts have jurisdiction over cases that involve the United States government, federal laws, controversies between states or citizens of different states, and other specified subject matters.
What cities are hiring for Federal Courts jobs? Cities with the most Federal Courts job openings:
What states have the most Federal Courts jobs? States with the most job openings for Federal Courts jobs include:

$119K - $137K/yr

Other

Posted 5 days ago


Job description

Description Whether launching or continuing a career in public service, the U.S. District Court is a great place to work with competitive salaries and benefits, a work schedule that promotes a work-life balance, and the opportunity to work with colleagues committed to fulfilling the important mission of administering justice in an efficient and effective manner. This position offers an excellent opportunity to advance a career in Federal court service

Court Reporters support a fast-paced and collaborative environment, covering both in-person and remote (Zoom) proceedings across the district. As one of the busiest and most high-profile federal courts in the country, we handle a wide range of complex and groundbreaking cases. From intellectual property, biotech litigation, Silicon Valley technology, high-stakes criminal cases and civil rights matters, our court reporters are essential to the federal judiciary.

Court reporters play a vital role in the judicial process, working closely with judges, attorneys, and fellow reporters to produce accurate and timely transcripts of court proceedings. This position offers a rewarding mix of meaningful in-person work, substantial telework flexibility, and opportunities to work across our San Francisco, San Jose, and Oakland courthouses. The role also offers exceptional earning potential.

Transcript income for in-person reporters averaged over $125,000 annually over each of the past three years. (Priority consideration to applicants who apply by June 12, 2026) Example of Duties Being an official court reporter involves: Working as part of a team of reporters for the judges of the court. Verbatim shorth and reporting of courtroom proceedings and reading back portions of the record when required.

Producing transcripts at a high volume, including expedited and daily transcripts. For some criminal proceedings, creating and storing audio recordings alongside shorth and notes. Adhering to the policies and administrative procedures outlined in the Court Reporter Management Plan, the Court Reporter Manual, and the Guide to Judiciary Policy.

Performing administrative tasks including transcripts billing, and docketing financial tracking, responding to requests, and submitting required reports to the Administrative Office. Typical Qualifications Level 1 ($119,330) must have at least one year of court reporting experience (freelance, courts or a combination); RPR (or equivalent); and excellent Realtime skills. (Those hired without Realtime certification must pass the test within two years.) Level 2 ($125,296) additionally requires Registered Merit Reporter (RMR) certification and ability to provide Realtime writing in the courtroom (must become Realtime certified within two years of hire date)

Level 3 ($131,263) additionally requires Realtime certification. Level 4 ($137,229) additionally requires Realtime and RMR certification. Level 5 ($143,197) for transferring Federal Official Court Reporters appointed before October 11,2009, with CRR or FCRR, RMR and ten years 'reporting experience in the federal courts Preferred Qualifications: Three or more years of court reporting experience (freelance ,courts or a combination) and experience directly invoicing clients Experience e-filing transcripts on a court docket Previous federal court experience Realtime Certification Certificate of Merit from NCRA Physical Requirements: Successful candidates must be able to (with or without accommodation): (1) bend, (2) pull, push, and lift up to 20 pounds, (3) reach ,(4) walk, and (5) sit for extended periods.

Supplemental Information The U.S. District Court is part of the federal Judicial branch of government and is independent of the Executive and Legislative branches. The court sets its own employment policies including remote work and performance management, while also valuing employees' individualism and continuing to strive towards a diverse, equitable and inclusive workplace

We offer a competitive salary along with full federal benefits, and new reporters are immediately included in the courts trial rotation, ensuring consistent opportunities for additional transcript income. Judicial Branch employees are "at will" employees and are not subject to the employment regulations of competitive service. However, judiciary employees are entitled to benefits.

For more information about federal court benefits, please visit: www.uscourts.gov/careers/benefits. INFORMATION FOR APPLICANTS The Court reserves the right to modify the conditions of this job announcement, or to withdraw the announcement without prior written or other notice. The successful candidate for this position is subject to a FBI fingerprint check and background investigation (employment will be provisional and contingent upon the satisfactory completion of the required background investigation), will be required to adhere to a code of conduct, and is subject to mandatory direct deposit of federal wages

The court is not authorized to reimburse travel expenses for interviews or relocations. Interviewing Non-Citizens and Making Offers of Future Employment: Non-citizens may be interviewed and considered for employment, but employment offers will only be made to individuals who qualify under one of the exceptions in 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3)(B)

In most cases, this means that an offer of employment cannot be made unless the candidate is a lawful permanent resident who is seeking U.S. citizenship as explained below. Under 8 U.S.C

1324b (a)(3)(B), a lawful permanent resident seeking citizenship may not apply for citizenship until he or she has been a permanent resident for at least five years (three years if seeking naturalization as a spouse of a citizen), at which point he or she must apply for citizenship within six months of becoming eligible, and must complete the process within two years of applying (unless there is a delay caused by the processors of the application). Equal Focused Employer We value diversity and are committed to equity and inclusion in our workplace. The Court encourages applications from all qualified individuals and seeks a diverse pool of applicants in terms of race, ethnicity, national origin, sex, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, age, languages spoken, veteran's status, disability, religion, and socio-economic circumstance.

The court provides reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities. If you need reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process, please notify the Human Resources Unit of the Clerk's Office at 415-522-2147. Determinations on requests for reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis.

APPLICATION PROCEDURE Applicants must submit the following: 1. Cover Letter 2. Resume 3.

Three professional references. To be considered for this position, visit our agency website at https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/uscourtscandto submit the online application, along with the above-listed documents. Please be sure to fully complete your application by providing all work history from the past ten years

Attachments should be submitted as Microsoft Word (DOC) or Adobe Acrobat (PDF) files. Other formats are not acceptable. Applications will be considered complete when the online application and all required attachments, in the appropriate format, are received by the Human Resources Unit.