Legal Clerk, Petitions/Calendar Clerk

Duties

The incumbent is a member of the Section responsible for processing petition packages and preparing pleadings, orders, session calendars, and other legal correspondence pertaining to cases litigated before the Tax Court. Additionally, the Section is responsible for scheduling cases for trial, issuing Notices of Trial and Standing Pretrial Orders, and/or Notices.

Responsibilities

• Review and analyze documents received and petitions filed to ascertain adherence to Tax Court Rules of Practice and Procedure in order to initiate a case. Ensure appropriate tax case designations (regular or small) and issue orders as needed.
• Apply appropriate filing fees and confirm that petitions have been amended appropriately. Enter Orders of Dismissal for failure to pay filing fees and/or file an amended petition.
• Process undeliverable mail returned by the U.S. Post Office, taking appropriate action as necessary, such as issuing orders changing address or directing additional service.
• Prepare service copy and a daily service listing of all petitions and associated documents to be served on respondent. Record requests for place of trial, amending such requests as needed.
• Respond to all correspondence requesting forms or other Court information.
• Prepare and maintain the Court's trial calendars. Issue Notices of Trial along with Standing Pretrial Orders and/or Notices, and 30-day trial reminder notices. Serve various change notices when any aspect of the trial has changed.
• Maintain and update Tax Clinic letters to be issued to pro-se petitions.
• Perform other work as assigned.

Requirements

Conditions of Employment

• Applicants must be United States Citizens or Nationals.
• All Court employees are required to adhere to the Code of Conduct for US Tax Court Employees .
• Employees of the United States Tax Court are considered "At-Will" employees, and, as such, may be terminated with or without cause.
• Those who are required must abide by Selective Service registration requirements.
• Selection of this position is contingent upon favorable suitability determination and security background check, to include credit check, Federal income tax check and criminal check. A candidate selected for this position must be current on his or her Federal income tax obligations before employment with the Tax Court and must remain current at all times while employed by the Tax Court. Continued employment post appointment is subject to satisfactory completion of the background investigation and credit check, and favorable adjudication. A background reinvestigation or supplemental investigation may be required at a later time.
• All applicant information is subject to verification.
• The Federal Financial Reform Act requires direct deposit of federal wages for Court employees.

Qualifications

THIS IS AN AT-WILL POSITION

Special Rating Factors (Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Required by the Position): Applicants are required to address each Special Rating Factor providing detailed evidence of the listed factors in the form of clear, concise examples of accomplishment and degree of responsibility. Please use specific examples to illustrate how your qualifications and accomplishments are relevant.

Special Rating Factors: (Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Required by the Position)

A. Knowledge of and skill in applying court rules of practice and statutory provisions such as the Internal Revenue Code as they pertain to the operations of the court.
B. Skill in MS Word or comparable word processing programs as well as other software applications.
C. Knowledge of legal terminology.
D. Demonstration of experience where strong attention to detail is required.

Work at the higher grades: This position provides a progressive career ladder with full- performance level to the GS-8. In order to progress through the career ladder, an employee must work at least 52 weeks at the next lower grade, must be performing their current position at a fully successful level, and must show evidence of performing duties at the next higher grade level. Promotion consideration is subject to the supervisor's discretion.

Education

This job does not have an educational qualification requirement.

Additional information

THIS IS AN AT-WILL POSITION