Application Instructions

U.S. Magistrate Judge Application (form fillable)

Notice Regarding Vacancy for U.S. Magistrate Judge

General Order Appointing Merit Selection Panel

Instructions for Submitting Letters in Support 

Please answer all the questions. If a question is not applicable indicate by “N/A.” If you cannot fully answer in the space provided, please feel free to submit additional pages. Signature required; /s/ format acceptable. Please submit:

(1) the application,

(2) curriculum vitae or resume,

(3) a legal writing sample such as a brief or memorandum

to HR@rid.uscourts.gov no later than October 21, 2024.  Letters in support of applicants are not required but may be submitted following the instructions above.  

General Order Appointing Merit Selection Panel 

The Selection, Appointment, and Reappointment of U.S. Magistrate Judges

Employees of the United States District Court are not included in the Government’s Civil Service classification, but rather are considered “at-will” Excepted Service employees of the Judiciary.

Judiciary employees are entitled to benefits similar to other federal government employees and also enjoy enhanced “judiciary only” benefits.

Employee benefits are dependent on the type of appointment. Full benefits are typically available for full-time or part-time appointments expected to last for at least one year and one day. Limited benefits may be available for temporary full-time or part-time appointments of less than one year and for term law clerk appointments.

Depending on the type of appointment and the expected length of employment, Judiciary benefits include:

Insurance (optional elections)

• Wide choice of health insurance plans, both PPO and HMO (pre-tax payroll deduction available). Dental and vision insurance.
• Group life insurance.
• Long term care insurance (nursing home, extended personal care) for employee and other eligible family members.
• Flexible spending accounts:  health care, dependent care, and commuter expenses (pretax payroll deduction).

Retirement

• Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) – if applicable, mandatory participation.
• Optional Thrift Savings Plan (TSP), similar to 401K, with government matching funds when eligible (pre-tax payroll deduction).

Paid Time Off

• Employees with less than 3 years of federal service accrue 13 days of annual leave (vacation) each year.  Employees with more than 3 years but less than 15 years of federal service accrue 20 days of annual leave each year.  Employees with at least 15 years of federal service accrue 26 days of annual leave each year.
• Accrue 13 days of sick leave per year for instances of personal or family illness.
• Paid leave for military purposes and civic duties such as jury service.
• Paid leave for volunteering.
• Eleven paid federal holidays(link is external)
• Twelve weeks of Paid Parental Leave (when FML eligible).

Other

• Transit subsidy.
• On-site fitness centers in Minneapolis and St. Paul.
• Opportunities for training and career development.
• Work in a diverse and congenial atmosphere.
• Live in an area with many cosmopolitan, cultural, and community activities.
• The opportunity to serve in a rewarding public service position.
• Telework, alternative work schedules, and other workplace flexibilities.
• Eligibility for periodic salary increases.
• Availability of Federal Employee Assistance Program.

We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer

The U.S. District Court, District of Rhode Island, has adopted an Employment Dispute Resolution Plan which provides the dispute resolution mechanism for rights and protections enumerated under the Plan to ensure equal employment opportunity to all persons regardless of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, sexual harassment and sexual orientation), national origin, age (at least 40 years of age at the time of the alleged discrimination) or disability.

Employment Dispute Resolution Plan

We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer

Questions regarding the position or the process may be directed to Frank Perry, Chief Deputy Clerk

Phone: 401-752-7222
Email: Frank_Perry@rid.uscourts.gov