Duties
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.
The court attorney will conduct legal research, prepare legal memoranda, draft proposed orders, respond to judges' inquiries, and make oral presentations.
The court attorney will meet with three-judge panels in formal conferences about twice a month. At conference, the court attorney and staff attorneys answer any questions about their cases, and the panel discusses and votes on the attorneys' recommendations.
The court attorney and staff attorneys may also present their recommendations orally to the judges when handling time-sensitive emergency motions.
Requirements
Conditions of employment
- Because the D.C. Circuit entertains a large number of high-profile and sealed cases, the court attorney is subject to strict confidentiality requirements.
- Must be a U.S. citizen or eligible to work in the United States.
- The position is subject to the Code of Conduct for Judicial Employees.
- Direct deposit of pay is required.
- In addition, your continued employment is contingent upon the satisfactory completion of a background check. A full background investigation for a security clearance may be required.
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 the court attorney 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.
To qualify for the CL 30 level, you must be a member of the bar of a state or the District of Columbia and have at least three years of specialized experience after graduation from law school.
The following may be credited as one year of specialized experience:
- Graduation in the upper third of class from a law school accredited by the American Bar Association or the Association of American Law Schools;
- Membership on the editorial board of a law review of such a school;
- Graduation from a law school on the approved list of the American Bar Association or that of the Association of American Law Schools with an advanced degree (LLM or equivalent); or
- Demonstrated proficiency in legal studies, which, in the opinion of the appointing official, is the equivalent of the above.
Education
At a minimum, applicants must possess a J.D. degree as of the position's start date. A judicial clerkship or internship, law review membership, or comparable legal research and writing experience is desirable. Litigation experience is advantageous. Graduation in the top 25% of your law school is preferred.
Additional information
- Selected applicants will serve a one-year probationary period.
- Employees of the federal judiciary are excepted service appointments. Appointments are "at will' and may be terminated with or without cause by the Court.
- The United States Courthouse is a smoke-free building.
The United States Court of Appeals is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer.Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.
Federal benefits include paid annual and sick leave, health insurance, life insurance, flexible benefits program, long-term care, retirement benefits, and a tax-deferred savings plan.
Review our benefits
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 an interview.