Summary

This is a full-time position with the Office of Legal Counsel at the Supreme Court of the United States in Washington, D.C.

Closing Date: Friday, 03/06/2026, 11:59 PM ET

Please note that this vacancy has a limit of 200 applicants. The job opportunity announcement will automatically close if that limit is reached prior to the closing date.

This job is open to

The public

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

Duties

The Supreme Court's Staff Counsel assists the Legal Counsel in providing assistance to the Supreme Court Justices on a variety of case-related issues and legal services to the Supreme Court as an institution. Staff Counsel provides the Justices with advice on various motions, petitions arising under the Court's original jurisdiction, petitions for rehearing, and bar admissions and attorney discipline. Staff Counsel provides legal services to the Supreme Court, including on administration and governance, appropriations, budget issues, contracts, employment matters, ethics and compliance, intellectual property issues, legislation, litigation, police and security matters, proposed rule amendments, and special projects. The position does not entail working with the Justices on the Court's opinions. The successful candidate is expected to commit to work at the Court for at least two years.

Requirements

Conditions of employment

Meet Experience Requirements (see Qualifications)
Employment is subject to successful completion of a security background check.
If you are a male applicant born after December 31, 1959, you must certify that you have registered with the Selective Service System, or are exempt from having to do so under the Selective Service Law. See: www.sss.gov

Qualifications

Attorney with excellent analytical, research, and writing skills. Demonstrated ability to perform high quality legal work with minimum supervision and within specified time limits is required. A minimum of three to four years practice experience preferably including federal and constitutional law. Must be an active member in good standing admitted to practice in the highest court of a State, Commonwealth, Territory or Possession, or the District of Columbia. Experience with appellate courts particularly helpful.

Education

A law degree from an accredited law school.

Additional information

Working for the Supreme Court of the United States offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes, in part, paid vacation, sick leave, holidays, life insurance, health benefits, and participation in the Federal Employees Retirement System. Additional benefits include flexible spending accounts, long-term care insurance, and the SmartBenefits transit subsidy.

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.

Review our benefits

How you will be evaluated

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

We will review and assess your application package in comparison with the posted qualifications for the position.

Required Documents

The following documents are required:

A cover letter
A resume

How to Apply

You must upload the cover letter and resume. These documents are required and must be received by the closing date, 03/06/2026, in order to be considered. Please submit only these documents unless you have prior federal and/or military experience. In that case your most recent SF-50, Statement of Service, and/or DD-214 will also be required.

To begin, click Apply Online to create a USAJobs account or log in to your existing account. Follow the prompts to select your USAJobs resume and/or other supporting documents and complete the occupational questionnaire.
Click the Submit My Answers button to submit your application package.
It is your responsibility to ensure your responses and appropriate documentation is submitted prior to the closing date.
To verify your application is complete, log into your USAJobs account, https://www.usajobs.gov, select the Application Status link and then select the More Information link for this position. The Details page will display the status of your application, the documentation received and processed, and any correspondence the agency has sent related to this application. Your uploaded documents may take several hours to clear the virus scan process.
To return to an incomplete application, log into your USAJobs account and click Update Application in the vacancy announcement. You must re-select your resume and/or other documents from your USAJobs account or your application will be incomplete.

Agency contact information

Human Resources Office

Phone: (202) 479-3404
Email: hr@supremecourt.gov

Address: Supreme Court of the United States
1 First Street NE
Washington, DC 20543
US

Next steps

Upon submission, you will receive an e-mail acknowledging receipt of your application. Please be advised that your application will not be considered complete unless all of the required documents have been received. All applicants will be notified once a selection has been made.

Staff Counsel Job in Washington, DC