LOCATION: Sioux Falls, South Dakota 

TYPE OF APPOINTMENT: Full-time, one-year appointment (August 2027 - August 2028) with the 

possibility of renewal as described below 

SALARY: $74,687 - $106,437 (JSP 11/1 - 13/1) (based upon qualifications) 

JOB ANNOUNCEMENT: 26-01 

CLOSING DATE: April 30, 2026, or until filled

FEDERAL JUDICIARY OVERVIEW: 

The federal judiciary is one of the three branches of the United States government (alongside the executive 

and legislative branches). Often referred to as the Third Branch, federal courts are the “guardians” of the 

Constitution. The federal courts have exclusive jurisdiction over bankruptcy cases. As part of the federal 

judiciary, employees have the unique experience of working with federal judges and working closely with 

other partnering agencies such as the U.S Trustee’s office and the U.S. Attorney’s office. The look and feel 

of the historic federal courthouse and its atmosphere make for a very powerful work experience. Federal 

clerkships are engaging and thought-provoking experiences. Learn more about the U.S. Federal Court 

system.

POSITION OVERVIEW: 

The Judicial Term Law Clerk provides legal support to U.S. Bankruptcy Court Judge Laura Kulm Ask. The 

successful candidate will serve as one of two law clerks supporting the work of the Judge and the Court. 

The position may be a one-year term, beginning August 2027, with the possibility of renewal (based solely 

on the Judge’s discretion).

REPRESENTATIVE DUTIES INCLUDE: 

• Reviewing pleadings filed with the Court to determine the issues involved and the basis for relief; 
• Reviewing dockets and monitoring the progress of matters; 
• Reviewing and potentially screening motions and drafting orders for the Judge’s review; 
• Drafting bench memorandums for the Judge’s consideration; 
• Performing extensive legal research, proofreading orders and opinions while verifying citations, 
• and drafting legal documents such as orders, memorandums, and opinions; 
• Assisting with case management responsibilities, including preparation for conferences and general 
• docket management tasks; 
• Attending hearings and trials, and assisting the Judge during these proceedings; 
• Maintaining liaison between the Court and litigants, including communicating with counsel; 
• Keeping abreast of changes in the law and briefing the Judge on them; and 
• Performing miscellaneous administrative duties and other duties as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: 

The candidate must be a U.S. citizen or eligible to work in the United States, a graduate from a law school 

of recognized standing by the American Bar Association or the Association of American Law Schools, and 

have one or more of the following attributes: 

• Standing within the upper one-third of the candidate’s law school class; 
• Experience writing for a law review or on a moot court, externship or clinical program; or 
• Demonstrated proficiency in legal studies which, in the opinion of the Judge, is equivalent to one of 
• the above. The determination of an acceptable equivalence rests solely with the Judge.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS: 

• An academic background in bankruptcy or secured transactions coursework; 
• Excellent legal research and writing skills; 
• Ability to effectively communicate, both orally and in writing; 
• Good organizational, computer, and word processing skills; 
• Ability to work effectively and well with others in a team-based environment; 
• Ability to maintain confidentiality, uphold the Court’s ethical rules and exhibit good judgment, 
• maturity, dependability, and responsibility; and 
• Ability to manage time and prioritize tasks to meet deadlines.

BENEFITS: 

The position falls within the Judicial Branch of the United States government and includes most federal 

benefits. A Term Law Clerk is not eligible to participate in the Federal Employee Retirement System or 

the Thrift Savings Plan. A Term Law Clerk is not classified under Civil Service but is entitled to similar 

benefits as other federal employees. These benefits include: 

• 11 paid holidays; and 
• Optional participation in choice of health plans, dental and vision insurance programs, group life insurance program, long-term care insurance, and pre-tax flexible spending account plan for certain expenses. 

HOW TO APPLY: 

Persons interested in this position should submit the following application materials in PDF format to 

SDB_Jobs@sdb.uscourts.gov: 

• Completed Application for Judicial Branch Federal Employment, Form AO-78 (available at https://www.uscourts.gov/forms-rules/forms/application-judicial-branch-federal-employment); 
• Cover letter; 
• Detailed resume; 
• Writing sample; and 
• Law school transcript.

Applicants selected for an interview may also be asked to provide a list of references prior to the interview.

BACKGROUND CHECK: 

The selected candidate will be required to undergo a fingerprint check through the FBI’s Criminal Justice 

Information Services Division. The successful candidate for this position is subject to a full National Crime 

Information Center (NCIC) background records check. 

DISCLOSURES: 

• This is an in-person position, so the selected candidate will be required to work in the Sioux Falls, South Dakota, courthouse. 
• Only qualified applicants will be considered for this position. 
• Interview and relocation travel expenses will not be reimbursed. 
• Electronic direct deposit of salary payments is mandatory. 
• All employees of the Court are at-will employees, and therefore an appointee may be removed from this position at any time. 
• Travel will be required. 
• The Court reserves the right to modify the conditions of this job announcement or to withdraw the job announcement without prior notice. 
• A Term Law Clerk must adhere to a Code of Ethics and Conduct for United States Judges as applicable to judiciary employees, which is available to applicants for review upon request, and must agree to confidentiality and IT policies. 
• The United States Bankruptcy Court is an Equal Opportunity Employer.