Duties
The Senior Staff Attorney is the chief operating officer for the Staff Attorneys' Office. The Senior Staff Attorney is a statutory position appointed by the Court and reports to the Chief Circuit Judge. The Senior Staff Attorney directs attorneys and administrative staff, with full responsibility for the legal and administrative operations of the office, including long-range strategic planning, policy development and implementation, and budget oversight. The responsibilities of the position also include:
- Ensure the high quality and timely submission of the office's work product.
- Establish and maintain sound working relationships with other court units.
- Advise the Court on legal and procedural matters.
- Serve on the Court's executive leadership team, staff Court committees, and advise the Administrative Office together with other Circuits' Senior Staff Attorneys.
Requirements
Conditions of employment
The selected candidate is provisionally hired pending results of background investigation and fingerprinting. This position is subject to updated background investigations every five years. Applicants selected for an interview must complete the Optional Background Information section on the Judiciary's application. The incumbent is required to complete an annual financial disclosure report. Travel for this position is required. Employees are required to adhere to the Judicial Code of Conduct for Judicial Employees. Electronic Fund Transfer for payroll direct deposit is required. Positions with the U.S. Courts are at-will, excepted service appointments, and may be terminated with or without cause by the Court. For citizenship requirements and additional information about careers in the Judiciary, visit www.uscourts.gov/careers. The Court reserves the right to modify the conditions of this announcement, or to withdraw the announcement for any reason without notice.
Qualifications
Required: Membership in good standing in the bar of a state, territorial or federal court of general jurisdiction. Expertise in federal appellate, civil, and criminal procedure, as well as significant understanding of constitutional law. At least ten years of experience in the practice of law, legal research, or legal administration, and at least five years of substantial management responsibility. Superior analytical, research, and writing skills; outstanding written and oral communication abilities; strong interpersonal skills; knowledge of automated systems; and a demonstrated ability to manage professional staff. Preferred: Related experience in a federal court, government agency, or equivalent environment. Specialized education in public or judicial administration. Training in court management.
Education
A Juris Doctor degree from an accredited law school.
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.
Benefits: Employer subsidized health and life insurance plans. Dental and vision insurance plans. Flexible spending accounts for health care, dependent care, and commuter expenses. Eligibility for Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program and mass transit subsidies. On-site fitness center. Federal retirement entails a pension plan (FERS-FRAE) and employer-matching Thrift Savings Plan (similar to a 401K). Retirees may carry insurance plans into retirement while paying the same premiums as employees. Visit www.uscourts.gov/careers/benefits to learn more about the Judiciary's competitive benefits.
Work/Life: Annual time off - 13 vacation days, 13 sick leave days, and 11 paid holidays. Vacation days increase to 20 days after three years and to 26 days after fifteen years. Hybrid telework schedule may be available.
Required Documents
Cover letter addressing your qualifications and experience performing the representative duties and how you learned of the position and a current resume in one pdf.
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.