Legal Advisor Job in Washington, DC

Vacancy No. 24-FISC-01 Department U.S. Courts
Salary $192,301.00 to $204,000.00 Grade 16 to 16
Perm/Temp Permanent FT/PT Full-time
Open Date 11/18/2024 Close Date 11/17/2025
Job Link Apply Online Who may apply Public
Locations:
Washington, DC


Summary

The United States Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Court employs attorneys, called Legal Advisors, to assist the Judges of the Court in considering applications presented by the U.S. government for authority to conduct electronic surveillance, physical search or other forms of intelligence gathering pursuant to the United States Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act. The Legal Advisors also advise Judges on legal issues presented in applications or that are otherwise before the Court.

Duties

Conduct initial review of government applications for authorization to employ various means of obtaining foreign intelligence pursuant to the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act and advise Judges on legal issues presented in applications or that are otherwise before the Court.

Requirements

Conditions of Employment

United States citizenship is required for consideration for this position.

Employees must possess a current Top Secret/SCI security clearance.

Employees of the United States Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Court are excepted service appointments. Excepted service appointments are "At-Will" and can be terminated with or without cause by the court.

Employees are required to adhere to the Code of Conduct for Judicial Employees.

Employees are required to use Electronic Fund Transfer (EFT) for payroll deposit.

Selection will be made consistent with the provisions of the Equal Employment Opportunity Plan adopted by the United States District and Bankruptcy Courts for the District of Columbia.

The Court reserves the right to modify the conditions of this announcement.

Qualifications

Conduct electronic surveillance, physical search or other forms of intelligence gathering pursuant to the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act and advise Judges on legal issues presented in applications or that are otherwise before the Court.

The Court invites applications from attorneys with at least eight years of legal work experience, including at least one year equivalent to work at the JSP-15 (equivalent to the GS-15) level. The Court is particularly interested in individuals who have an expertise in national security law, constitutional law, privacy, or communications technology and the law. Litigation or judicial clerkship experience is desirable. To be considered, an applicant must be a licensed attorney, a member in good standing of the bar of at least one jurisdiction, and possess a current security clearance, preferably Top Secret/SCI.

Education

Juris Doctor Degree and a member of the bar in good standing of at least one jurisdiction.

Additional information

Full-time employees of the United States Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Court are eligible for a full range of benefits to include:

  • A minimum of 11 paid holidays per year.
  • Paid annual leave in the amount of 13 days per year for the first three years, 20 days per year after three years, and 26 days per year after fifteen years.
  • Paid sick leave in the amount of 13 days per year.
  • Federal Employees' Retirement System (FERS).
  • Optional participation in the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP), the Federal Employees Health Benefits Program (FEHBP), Federal Dental and Vision Insurance Program (FEDVIP), the Federal Employees' Group Life Insurance (FEGLI), the Flexible Benefits Program, the Commuter Benefit Program, and SmartBenefits (mass transit subsidy up to $315 per month).
  • Employee Recognition Program, budget permitting.
  • Workers' Compensation Program.
  • On-site physical fitness facility.
  • Flexible work schedule.
  • Federal Occupational Health Services Program (FOH)/ On-site Health Unit.
  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP)/Work Life Services.
  • Virtual Learning through the Judiciary Online University.
  • Student Loan Forgiveness for Public Service Employees.
  • Priority enrollment for children beginning at three months of age until kindergarten of all employees of the United States Courts in the Thurgood Marshall Child Development Center (TMCDC).

How You Will Be Evaluated

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

Applicants meeting all qualifications indicated above will be evaluated based upon the information provided in the resume and the writing sample.

Required Documents

To be considered for this "at will" position, applicants are required to submit the following:

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

Applications may be e-mailed to: DCD_HumanResources@dcd.uscourts.gov

Agency contact information

Human Resources
Address
US Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Court
333 Constitution Avenue, N.W.
Washington, DC 20001
US
Learn more about this agency

Next steps

Failure to submit a complete and signed cover letter, AO-78, and resume will result in immediate disqualification. Description of Work section of the AO-78 must be complete to include salary information. Indicating "see resume" is not acceptable. Incomplete and/or unsigned applications will not be considered, returned or retained. Only applicants selected for an interview will be contacted and must travel at their own expense. One application per candidate will be accepted for this announcement.


Note: We cannot accept applications on behalf of Federal Agencies. Application instructions are listed within the Job Description.