Legal Advisor Job in Washington, DC

Vacancy No. DE-12983786-26-AB Department U.S. Courts
Salary $198,534.00 to $209,600.00 Grade 16 to 16
Perm/Temp Permanent FT/PT Full-time
Open Date 6/30/2026 Close Date 6/7/2027
Job Link Apply Online Who may apply Public
Locations:
Washington, DC


Legal Advisor

Judicial Branch
U.S. Courts
United States Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Court

Summary

The United States Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Court seeks to hire a Legal Advisor 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 Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act. The Legal Advisors advise Judges on legal issues presented in applications or otherwise before the Court.

This job is open to

The public

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

Clarification from the agency

Open to all qualified sources with preference given to applicants who apply by July 10, 2026, and with a current and active TOP SECRET/SCI Clearance.

Duties

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 Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act. The Legal Advisors advise Judges on legal issues presented in applications or otherwise before the Court.

Requirements

Conditions of employment

  • United States citizenship is required for consideration for this position.
  • Because of the access to classified materials and information, a Top Secret/SCI clearance is required for this position. Preference will be given to applicants with a current and active Top Secret/SCI clearance. The selected candidate will also undergo a background check.
  • 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

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 (or the GS-15) level. The Court is particularly interested in applicants with expertise in intelligence law, constitutional law, privacy or communications technology and the law. Experience as a clerk to a federal judge is preferred. To be considered, an applicant must be a licensed attorney and a member in good standing of the bar of at least one jurisdiction. Currently or previously holding a security clearance at the Top Secret/SCI level is preferred.

Education

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

Additional information

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.

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 $340 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)

For more detailed information about federal court benefits, please go to:
www.uscourts.gov/careers/benefits.

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 meeting the minimum qualifications will be considered by a panel. Applicants selected for an interview will need to appear in person and travel at their own expense.

Required Documents

Cover letter, AO-78 application, resume, and a writing sample, not to exceed ten pages.

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

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


Applications may be mailed or hand delivered to:

United States District Court
Attn: Human Resources (26-FISC-02)
333 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room 2712
Washington, DC 20001

Or via e-mail to: DCD_HumanResources@dcd.uscourts.gov

If applying by email, a single attachment in Adobe Acrobat (.pdf) format in one email message should be organized as follows: (1) Cover Letter, (2) AO-78, (3) Resume and (4) Writing Sample.

Failure to submit a complete and signed cover letter, AO-78, resume, and writing sample 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.

Agency contact information

Human Resources

Next steps

Only applicants selected for an interview will be contacted.

U.S. Courts

Agency contact information

Human Resources

Visit our careers page

Learn more about what it's like to work at U.S. Courts, what the agency does, and about the types of careers this agency offers.

https://www.fisc.uscourts.gov/about-foreign-intelligence-surveillance-court


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