Launch Your Legal Career with the U.S. Air Force

The United States Air Force provides a unique and challenging environment for aspiring legal professionals. Through the PALACE ACQUIRE (PAQ) program, the Air Force is currently seeking high-achieving law school graduates to serve as Law Clerks. This position is not merely an internship; it is a gateway to a successful civilian career as a federal attorney, offering unparalleled exposure to military legal systems, government contracts, and administrative law.

Job Responsibilities

Law Clerks within the PAQ program are integrated into active legal offices. Key duties include:

Legal Research & Opinion Drafting: Assisting attorneys in preparing memoranda and legal opinions on complex subjects.
Litigation Support: Assisting in the preparation of cases for courts-martial or administrative hearings, including evidence organization and witness interviews.
Advisory Roles: Providing counsel on environmental law, labor and employment disputes, and government contract administration.

Requirements

To be eligible for this position, candidates must demonstrate:

A law degree (or be a 3rd-year student) from an ABA-accredited institution.
Superior Academic Achievement (SAA) (e.g., GPA > 2.95 or upper-third class standing).
Proficiency in legal writing and research.

Comparison of Applicant Groups

Group	Qualifications	Evaluation Priority
Best Qualified	Exceptional skills exceeding requirements	High
Fully Qualified	Good skills above minimums	Moderate
Basically Qualified	Meets minimum requirements	Baseline

Salary Overview

This position offers a competitive salary structure ranging from $61,722 to $106,437 per year. As part of the PAQ program, clerks are eligible for yearly salary increases and professional development milestones subject to satisfactory performance.

Benefits

Comprehensive health and life insurance.
Generous leave policies, including federal holidays.
Participation in the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP).
Clear promotion track to a GS-09/11+ attorney role.

Application Tips

Resume Precision: Your resume cannot exceed two pages. Failure to adhere to this will result in automatic disqualification.
Detailed History: Include hours worked per week for every job entry.
Transcript Accuracy: Submit all transcripts to prove academic standing.
Assessment Completion: The HireVue interview is mandatory—ensure you complete this step promptly.

The Air Force Law Clerk position offers a rare chance to develop elite legal skills while serving the country. With a structured training path and competitive pay, it is an ideal next step for any ambitious law graduate. Submit your application today to begin your journey.

Why This Law Clerk Job Matters

Launch your legal career at the cutting edge of national defense. The U.S. Air Force invites exceptional law graduates to join the prestigious PALACE ACQUIRE program as a Law Clerk.

Law Clerk Job Overview

The Department of the Air Force is seeking motivated, high-achieving law graduates for a formal Law Clerk internship under the PALACE ACQUIRE (PAQ) program. This career-starting opportunity provides comprehensive training in military and civilian legal operations, offering a clear pathway to a full-time attorney position. Clerks assist seasoned legal professionals in critical areas including government contracts, labor law, environmental issues, and administrative litigation. This is a centrally managed program designed to foster professional growth, ethical development, and sophisticated legal expertise within the Air and Space Force mission environment.

Requirements for Law Clerk

Completion of a law degree from an ABA-accredited law school within the previous two years, or currently a third-year law student.
Superior Academic Achievement (SAA) evidenced by upper-third class standing or a GPA of 2.95 or higher.
Evidence of superior legal accomplishment, such as law review participation, moot court, or significant legal aid/clerkship experience.
Must be admitted to the bar of the highest court of a U.S. state, territory, or commonwealth within 14 months of appointment.
Must maintain good standing and active legal status in at least one jurisdiction during employment.
Ability to obtain and maintain a Secret security clearance.

Preferred Qualifications for Law Clerk

Demonstrated excellence in legal research, analysis, and writing.
Proven experience identifying legal issues, citing relevant precedents, and recommending viable courses of action.
Strong interpersonal communication skills for working with diverse stakeholders.
Experience in case preparation, including witness interviews and evidence management.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Competitive salary with built-in yearly increases
✓Comprehensive federal benefits package
✓Professional development and formal training plan
✓Clear pathway to conversion to an entry-level attorney position
✓Access to the Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) program
✓Retirement savings via the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP)
✓Paid vacation and sick leave

💡 How to Apply Law Clerk Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Law Clerk Job

Log in to your USAJOBS account.
Submit a resume not exceeding two pages, clearly detailing hours worked per week and dates of employment.
Complete the online application questionnaire.
Submit official or unofficial transcripts to verify academic standing.
Complete the mandatory HireVue assessment via the Air Force Civilian Careers portal.
Review and upload any required supporting documents, such as VEOA/30% disabled veteran certification or SF-50 forms for current federal employees.

💡 General Tips

Keep your resume to exactly two pages; additional pages will lead to disqualification.
Ensure your resume lists your GPA and class standing to demonstrate SAA eligibility.
Verify that your resume includes the number of hours worked per week for every position listed.
Double-check that all uploaded documents have cleared the USAJOBS virus scan (allow one hour).
Submit your application well before the deadline to account for system processing times.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the PALACE ACQUIRE (PAQ) program?

The PAQ is a formal two-year training program designed to develop civilian talent in the Department of the Air Force, offering career growth, competitive pay, and promotion potential.

Can I apply if I have not yet passed the bar exam?

Yes, you may be appointed, but you must be admitted to the bar of a U.S. state, territory, or commonwealth within 14 months of your appointment date to continue employment.

Are unofficial transcripts acceptable?

Yes, copies of transcripts are acceptable for the initial application, but official copies will be required upon selection.

Job from Air Force Civilian Career Training

The Department of the Air Force is tasked with the mission to fly, fight, and win. This vision is supported by the Office of the Staff Judge Advocate, which ensures that all Air and Space Force operations comply with the highest legal and ethical standards. Joining the Air Force as a civilian employee means contributing to global vigilance and reach while working within a culture that prioritizes integrity and excellence.