Duties

The position offers a unique opportunity to join a relatively small department that works closely with the Federal Circuit's judges and the Circuit Executive. The position will primarily assist the judges in resolution of motions and mandamus petitions. The attorney will work on a broad spectrum of matters, from pro se cases to complex patent litigation. The attorney will be asked to review and be familiar with the record and party filings, conduct legal research, draft memos and orders, present and discuss the cases with the judges, and provide advice regarding the appropriate disposition. The attorney will develop expertise in all areas of the court's subject matters, the Federal Rules of Appellate and Civil Procedure, and the Federal Circuit's local rules.

Requirements

Conditions of Employment

This is an Excepted Appointment and At-Will position. Federal government civil service classifications or regulations do not apply. All offers of employment are provisional pending successful completion of a background check or investigation and a favorable employment suitability determination. This position is subject to Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) for payroll deposit.

Must be a U. S. citizen or eligible to work in the United States. Non-citizens may be interviewed and considered for employment, but employment offers will only be made to individuals who qualify under one of the exceptions in 8 U.S.C.§ 1324b(a)(3)(B). Under 8 U.S.C.§1324b(a)(3)(B), a lawful permanent resident seeking citizenship may not apply for citizenship until he or she has been a permanent resident for at least five years (three years if seeking naturalization as a spouse of a citizen), at which point he or she must apply for citizenship within six months of becoming eligible, and must complete the process within two years of applying (unless there is a delay caused by the processors of the application). Non-citizens who have not been permanent residents for five years will be required to execute an affidavit that they intend to apply for citizenship when they become eligible to do so.

Qualifications

Required Competencies
Candidate must be a lawyer who is interested in all areas of the court's jurisdiction and federal appellate practice; have extensive knowledge of litigation in federal courts, including knowledge of the Federal Rules of Civil and Appellate Procedure and Evidence; have the ability to conduct legal research with all available sources and provide solutions based on that research; and be skilled in the oral and written presentation of complicated legal matters.

Required Qualifications
Specialized Experience

• CL-30: A minimum of three (3) years of progressively responsible work experience as a lawyer (for a court, law firm, federal government agency, etc.) that provides the candidate with the particular knowledge, skills and abilities to perform the duties of this position. The overall experience must also include a minimum of 1 year of progressively responsible and substantial experience at the CL-29 or equivalent grade level. The preferred candidate will possess federal court experience.
• CL-31: A minimum of four (4) years of progressively responsible work experience as a lawyer (for a court, law firm, federal government agency, etc.) that provides the candidate with the particular knowledge, skills and abilities to perform the duties of this position. The overall experience must also include a minimum of 1 year of progressively responsible and substantial experience at the CL-30 or equivalent grade level. The preferred candidate will possess federal court experience.

Preferred Qualifications
The ideal candidate would be an attorney who (1) has a strong interest in all areas of the court's jurisdiction, the Federal Rules, and procedural and jurisdictional issues; (2) has prior clerking experience; (3) has excellent skills in legal research, analysis, writing, editing, and proofreading; (4) has patent litigation experience; (5) is detail-oriented and works efficiently and effectively to meet tight deadlines; and (6) has outstanding academic credentials (undergraduate degree in science or engineering is a plus, but not required).

Education

Candidates must possess at a minimum, a Juris Doctor (JD) degree from a law school accredited by the American Bar Association and be an active member of the bar of a state, territory, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, or a federal court of general jurisdiction.

Additional information

The court reserves the right to modify the conditions of this announcement, commence interviews immediately, withdraw the announcement, or fill the position at any time, any of which actions may occur without notice.