Summary

The Center has an opening for a General Counsel. The General Counsel is responsible for providing legal, policy, and strategic counsel to the Center, and for providing a range of legal support services for all aspects of Center operations, administration, policy, and practice. The position is part of the Director and Deputy Director's Office and reports to the Center's Deputy Director. The General Counsel will often work closely with the Center's senior staff.

This job is open to

The public

U.S. Citizens, Nationals or those who owe allegiance to the U.S.

Duties

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Provides legal advice and guidance to the Director and Deputy Director
Drafts, reviews, and provides legal guidance on Center policies, government contracts, and inter-agency agreements
Reviews speeches and publications produced by Center leaders and staff
Provides legal guidance to supervisors on personnel and employment related issues
Reviews and interprets laws that affect the Center
Serves as the Center's point of contact for investigations such as by oversight entities of Congressional committees or the Government Accountability Office
Serves as or coordinates the Center's representation in legal matters
Ensures adherence to all federal regulations, policies, procedures, and ethical standards
Builds and sustains strong, collaborative working relationships with internal and external stakeholders, including colleagues across the Center's divisions and offices
Coordinates with the Office of General Counsel at the Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts, and other stakeholders as needed
Works on special projects as assigned

Requirements

Conditions of employment

KEY REQUIREMENTS:

Selectee must be a United States Citizen, subject to the exceptions enumerated at https://www.uscourts.gov/careers/search-judiciary-jobs/citizenship-requirementsemployment-judiciary.
Selectee must favorably complete a background investigation.
Relatives of Center staff members may not be employed at the Center in any capacity.
All requirements must be met for full consideration.

The Federal Judicial Center is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to achieving a professional and collegial workplace in which everyone is valued and treated fairly and respectfully.

Qualifications

MANDATORY QUALIFICATIONS:

A juris doctor (J.D.) from an accredited law school and active membership in the bar of the highest court of any state, the District of Columbia, or a United States territory or commonwealth
Ten years of progressively responsible experience in the practice of law, legal research, legal administration, or equivalent experience
Three years of general counsel experience
Proven attention to detail and ability to ensure compliance with federal regulations, policies, procedures, and ethical standards
Experience advising senior leaders
Ability to work independently under limited guidance and direction, respond efficiently to changing priorities, and meet deadlines
Aptitude for collaborative problem-solving and consensus-building
Ability to consistently exercise sound ethics and judgment and maintain confidentiality
Excellent interpersonal and communication skills

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS:

Experience working in the Judicial Branch
Knowledge of the Guide to Judiciary Policy
Knowledge of federal personnel and employment law
Knowledge of federal procurement and contracting law

Education

A juris doctor (J.D.) from an accredited law school and active membership in the bar of the highest court of any state, the District of Columbia, or a United States territory or commonwealth.

Additional information

SALARY AND BENEFITS:

This position is in pay band 6, with a salary range of $152,291 to $229,908, including the 2026 Washington, D.C. locality adjustment. The starting salary is $182,749 (includes 2026 D.C. locality) and is non-negotiable.

For internal candidates, salaries will be adjusted as follows: if the candidate's current salary is below the starting salary, it will be increased to $182,749 (includes 2026 D.C. locality); if it exceeds the starting salary, it will be matched, up to the pay band 6 maximum of $229,908 (includes 2026 D.C. locality).

The position is in Washington, D.C. and the selected candidate must be prepared to work in the TMFJB on a regular basis. This position provides limited telework options. The Center does not pay for relocation expenses; however, Center employees receive reimbursement for official business travel.

This position does not carry the tenure rights of positions in the competitive civil service.

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.

A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.

Federal government benefits are applicable. An array of supplemental benefits is also offered, including a transportation subsidy and a flexible benefit program allowing for pre-tax deductions for health insurance, health care, dependent care, and commuter expenses. The Center is in the Thurgood Marshall Federal Judiciary Building (TMFJB), conveniently situated to public transportation directly beside Union Station. The TMFJB houses a child development center, a health fitness facility, and a cafeteria for its tenants.

Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.

How you will be evaluated

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

Selected applicants will be evaluated based upon the question responses provided during a structured interview.

Required Documents

Cover Letter
Current Resume

See 'How to Apply' for instructions.

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.

How to Apply

APPLICATION PROCEDURES:

In a cover letter referring to Announcement #26-07 please indicate specifically how you satisfy the qualifications listed above. Applications without the required cover letter or with cover letters that do not address the qualifications will not be considered. Along with the cover letter, please include a current resume that specifies dates of employment and responsibilities for all related positions. Applicants should not include detailed application information in the transmittal email and should attach only a single PDF document containing the combined cover letter and resume. Name the file using your last name, first name, and announcement number as follows: Lastname.Firstname.26-07.pdf.

All applications should be submitted by email to: personnel@fjc.gov.

When applying, please refer to Announcement #26-07. This vacancy will remain open until filled but to assure full consideration, your application must be received by 11:59 p.m. on April 21, 2026.

Agency contact information

Elia Bendavid

Phone: 202-502-4165
Email: personnel@fjc.gov

Address: Federal Judicial Center
Thurgood Marshall Federal Judiciary Building
One Columbus Circle, N.E.
Washington, DC 20002-8003
US

Next steps

Complete applications will be evaluated based on qualifications. The hiring manager will consider the most highly qualified candidates for a possible interview. Applicants will be notified by e-mail once the position has been filled.

General Counsel Job in Washington, DC