Duties

Summary

The Legal Division of the Office of the Clerk, U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit, has an opening for a highly qualified attorney to serve as a staff attorney to the full court. The position is available starting immediately. More than one position may be filled from this announcement.

The position is full-time and for a two-year term. Limited term extensions may be available.
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Responsibilities

The Legal Division's principal responsibility is to recommend to the court the disposition of substantive and procedural motions, appeals decided without oral argument, and emergency matters. Staff attorneys conduct legal research, prepare legal memoranda, draft proposed orders, respond to judges' inquiries, and make oral presentations. Staff attorneys meet with three-judge panels in formal conferences about twice a month to present their recommendations. Staff attorneys also present their recommendations orally to the judges in chambers when handling time-sensitive emergency motions.

Travel Required

Not required

Supervisory status
No

Promotion Potential
30 - Promotion up to a CL-30.

Requirements

Conditions of Employment

Selected applicants will serve a one-year probationary period. All positions in the Clerk's Office are excepted appointments and are "at will." The United States Court of Appeals is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. Selected applicants will be subject to mandatory electronic transfer of funds for payment of net pay. The United States Courthouse is a smoke-free building.

Qualifications

The caseload of the D.C. Circuit involves virtually every area of federal law, and is unique in the number of cases filed against the executive branch. Because staff attorneys must be able to advise the judges on difficult, varied, and important legal issues, the court is highly selective in its hiring. The court is looking for individuals who have demonstrated the ability to research and analyze complex legal issues in depth and to express themselves clearly, both orally and in writing.

At a minimum, applicants must possess a J.D. degree. A judicial clerkship or internship, law review membership, or comparable legal research and writing experience is desirable. Litigation experience is advantageous. Prior experience with habeas corpus petitions and other types of post-conviction relief is also advantageous. Graduation in the top 25% of your law school class is preferred.

To qualify for the CL 28 level or above, you must be a member of the bar of a state or the District of Columbia, and have at least one year of relevant experience after graduation from law school.

Because the D.C. Circuit entertains a large number of high-profile and sealed cases, staff attorneys are subject to strict confidentiality requirements.

In addition, your continued employment is contingent upon the satisfactory completion of a background records check. A full background investigation for a security clearance may be required.

Education

Please read the "Qualifications" section.

Additional information

Benefits

For information about benefits with the Federal Judiciary, visit https://www.uscourts.gov/careers .

Other Information

The court's vacancy announcement for this position may be viewed at https://www.cadc.uscourts.gov/internet/home.nsf .

How You Will Be Evaluated

You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.

Applicants will be evaluated based on their application and interview.

Background checks and security clearance

Security clearance
Other

Drug test required
No

Required Documents

Please read the "How To Apply" section.

If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:

Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education .

Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.