Pro Se Law Clark Positions

Due to a significant increase in civil filings, the Western District of Texas is currently accepting applications for multiple Pro Se law clerk positions.  These positions will be allocated to the chambers of district judges in the Austin, El Paso, and San Antonio divisions.  Based on current data, funding for the positions is expected to last at least until December 31, 2028, and may be renewed thereafter, depending on the availability of funds.  The positions are open for an immediate start.  However, the start date Continue reading →

Power Act Virtual Event on Wednesday, May 20th at 3:00 pm CST

The POWER Act requires every federal district in the U.S. to host at least one public event annually to promote free legal services to empower survivors of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking.  This year, the judges of the Western District of Texas have joined with districts from around the country to host a CLE which is FREE.  We encourage you to participate.  You can log-in for the live stream at 3:00 (Central Time) on Wednesday May 20 or watch a recording on Continue reading →

Amended Third General Order Regarding Speedy Trial Act – Midland/Odessa and Pecos Divisions

This announcement is for the Midland-Odessa and Pecos divisions. Due to a measles outbreak currently impacting West Texas Detention Facility and its implications on speedy trial rights under 18 U.S.C. 3161, the Court finds that the end of justice outweigh the interest of the Defendants and of the public in a speedy trial, and that the period of time from April 2, 2026 through April 21, 2026, is excludable time within the Speedy Trial Act 18 U.S.C. 3161 and is hereby EXCLUDED from respective speedy Continue reading →

Amended Second General Order Regarding Speedy Trial Act – Midland/Odessa and Pecos Divisions

This announcement is for the Midland-Odessa and Pecos divisions. Due to a measles outbreak currently impacting West Texas Detention Facility and its implications on speedy trial rights under 18 U.S.C. 3161, the Court finds that the end of justice outweigh the interest of the Defendants and of the public in a speedy trial, and that the period of time from March 5, 2026 through March 22, 2026, is excludable time within the Speedy Trial Act 18 U.S.C. 3161 and is hereby EXCLUDED from respective speedy Continue reading →

Second General Order Regarding Speedy Trial Act – El Paso Division

This announcement is for the El Paso division. Due to a measles outbreak currently impacting West Texas Detention Facility and its implications on speedy trial rights under 18 U.S.C. 3161, the Court finds that the end of justice outweigh the interest of the Defendants and of the public in a speedy trial, and that the period of time from March 5, 2026 through March 25, 2026, is excludable time within the Speedy Trial Act 18 U.S.C. 3161 and is hereby EXCLUDED from respective speedy trial Continue reading →

Second General Order Regarding Speedy Trial Act in Midland-Odessa and Pecos

This announcement is for the Midland-Odessa and Pecos divisions. Due to a measles outbreak currently impacting West Texas Detention Facility and its implications on speedy trial rights under 18 U.S.C. 3161, the Court finds that the end of justice outweigh the interest of the Defendants and of the public in a speedy trial, and that the period of time from March 5, 2026 through March 22, 2026, is excludable time within the Speedy Trial Act 18 U.S.C. 3161 and is hereby EXCLUDED from respective speedy Continue reading →

General Order Regarding Speedy Trial Act in Midland-Odessa, Pecos, and El Paso

This announcement is for the El Paso, Midland-Odessa, and Pecos divisions. Due to a measles outbreak currently impacting West Texas Detention Facility and its implications on speedy trial rights under 18 U.S.C. 3161, the Court finds that the end of justice outweigh the interest of the Defendants and of the public in a speedy trial, and that the period of time from February 12, 2026 through March 4, 2026, is excludable time within the Speedy Trial Act 18 U.S.C. 3161 and is hereby EXCLUDED from Continue reading →

Term Law Clerk to U.S. Magistrate Judge Elizabeth Chestney – San Antonio, TX

The United States District Court for the Western District of Texas is recruiting for a term law clerk to U.S. Magistrate Judge Elizabeth Chestney for 2027-2028. The term law clerk assists the magistrate judge with the civil docket by preparing the judge for hearings, researching legal issues, and drafting initial drafts of orders and reports and recommendations. The term law clerk also supports the magistrate judge with the criminal docket by managing warrant and other requests from the U.S. Attorney’s Office and by researching criminal Continue reading →

Judicial Law Clerk to U.S. Magistrate Judge – El Paso, TX

The United States District Court for the Western District of Texas is accepting applications for a Judicial Law Clerk (Career or Term) to support a United States Magistrate Judge in the El Paso Division.  The position provides essential legal, administrative, and case-related support to a United States Magistrate Judge.  This role is integral to the effective operation of chambers and require professionalism, discretion, teamwork, and a strong commitment to public service. Job Announcement for Law Clerk to U.S. Magistrate Judge El Paso, TX.

Public Notice: Reappointment of United States Magistrate Judge, Midland/Odessa, Texas

The current term of the office of United States Magistrate Judge Ronald C. Griffin is due to expire on August 12, 2026.  The United States District Court is required by law to establish a panel of citizens to consider the reappointment of U.S. Magistrate Judge Griffin to a new eight-year term.  Comments are invited from members of the bar and the public as to whether U.S. Magistrate Judge Griffin should be recommended by the panel for reappointment by the Court.  All comments should be directed Continue reading →