Judge Laura Taylor Swain currently has an opening for a two-year New York-based clerkship commencing in late June/early July 2025 to assist Judge Swain in overseeing the PROMESA debt restructuring proceedings for Puerto Rico. Detailed job description and application procedures for this position are posted on: https://www.nysd.uscourts.gov/sites/default/files/sites/default/files/pdf/HR/23-20%20Court%20Attorney%20(Elbow%20Law%20Clerk%20for%20PROMESA%20Cases).pdf.
MINIMAL REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS: Applicants must have graduated with a Juris Doctor (JD) degree from a law school that has been accredited by a recognized accrediting authority or be admitted to practice before the highest court of a State, Territory, Commonwealth, or federal court of general jurisdiction of the United States. In addition, applicants must also have specialized experience as shown in the table below. Level Minimum Experience Requirement CL-29 Two years of specialized experience, including at least one year equivalent to work at CL-28; and Admission to practice before the highest court of a state, territory, commonwealth, or possession of the United States. CL-30 Three years of specialized experience, including at least one year equivalent to work at CL-29; and Admission to practice before the highest court of a state, territory, commonwealth, or possession of the United States. CL-31 Four years of specialized experience, including at least one year equivalent to work at CL-30; and Admission to practice before the highest court of a state, territory, commonwealth, or possession of the United States.
The appointee to the position will come to the position with prior experience in complex commercial litigation; prior trial or bankruptcy law experience is helpful but not necessary. The appointee will perform duties in the chambers of the judge overseeing the ongoing PROMESA debt restructuring proceedings for Puerto Rico. Although adjustment plans have been confirmed for the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico and certain of its instrumentalities, significant additional litigation work continues. The appointee will independently conduct legal research on complex matters, including issues of first impression, as well as on a wide range of issues coming before the Court, review and monitor case records/filings, draft proposed opinions, memorandum decisions, and orders, provide objective analytical and procedural advice to the judge, chambers staff, and court staff, provide information to attorneys and parties in interest, and have significant case management, and some staff management, responsibilities. Representative duties include: Perform initial procedural and substantive review of submissions to determine proper course of action. Research and analyze complex legal issues and communicate results orally and in writing. Review pleadings and briefs and prepare draft orders, memoranda, or opinions resolving requests for relief. Keep up with developments in the law of the circuit and the district and bankruptcy courts, as well as with national and territorial legislative, executive branch, and administrative actions, and update judge and chambers colleagues on such matters. Specialized expertise in insolvency and governmental debt matters. Ability to travel regularly to Puerto Rico as required.