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. Staff attorneys conduct legal research, prepare legal memoranda, draft proposed orders, respond to judges' inquiries, and make oral presentations. Staff attorneys meet with three-judge panels in formal conferences about twice a month. At conference, staff attorneys answer any questions about their cases, and the panel discusses and votes on staff attorney recommendations. 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, staff attorneys are subject to strict confidentiality requirements.
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.
Applicants must be United States citizens or eligible to work for the United States government.
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 staff attorneys 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 28 level or above, you must be a member of the bar of a state or the District of Columbia, and have at least one year of relevant experience after graduation from law school.
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 class is preferred.
Additional information
- More than one vacancy may be filled.
- All positions in the Clerk's Office are excepted appointments and are "at will."
- The selected candidate will serve a one-year probationary period.
- Selected applicants will be subject to mandatory electronic transfer of funds for payment of net pay.
- 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.
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.
Required Documents
- Cover letter
- Resume
- Law school transcript
- Self-edited writing sample
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.