Summary
Under the general direction of the Trial Clerk Supervisor, the Trial Clerk serves as a confidential assistant to judges of the U.S. Tax Court (Court) during trials and hearings. The Court has national jurisdiction and conducts trial sessions in-person at its main courthouse in Washington, D.C., and in 73 other cities throughout the United States. The Court also conducts some trials and hearings remotely on Zoomgov.
This job is open to
Clarification from the agency
This job is open to The Public (U.S. Citizens, Nationals, or those who ow allegiance to the U.S.)
Duties
- Participating in Court proceedings by assisting with the orderly flow of the trial or hearing, including, but not limited to, setting up the courtroom, assuring presence of all necessary participants, coordinating with the court reporter, managing exhibits, calling court to order, administering oaths, swearing in witnesses, hosting and directing virtual hearings/trials (i.e., Zoom.gov), and operating courtroom technology.
- Taking notes of proceedings, notices, and rulings to prepare Court orders and minutes.
- Responding to procedural questions from attorneys, practitioners, low-income taxpayer clinic and pro bono representatives, taxpayers, and the public.
- Reviewing and preparing case filings, including orders and notices, using the Court's electronic filing and case management system, DAWSON, in accordance with the U.S. Tax Court Rules of Practice and Procedure and case processing guidelines.
- Working closely with the Court's Docket Section to process exhibits, minutes, transcripts, orders, decisions, and other official case documents.
- Serving as a liaison between judges and other Court staff, the United States Marshals Service, the General Services Administration, attorneys, practitioners, low-income taxpayer clinic and pro bono representatives, taxpayers, the press, and the public.
- Performing other duties as assigned.
Trial clerks are assigned to both in-person and remote Court proceedings. For in-person proceedings, there is extensive travel required throughout the United States. For remote trials and hearings, the trial clerk is responsible for managing the video platform (currently Zoom.gov) and ensuring that the proceeding is live-streamed, while also performing other duties.
Requirements
Conditions of Employment
- Applicants must be United States citizens or Nationals.
- All Court employees are required to adhere to the Code of Conduct for US Tax Court Employees.
- Employees of the United States Tax Court serve under "excepted appointments" and are considered "at-will" employees, and, as such, may be terminated with or without cause. Court employees are entitled to substantially the same benefits as other Federal Government employees.
- Those who are required must abide by Selective Service registration requirements.
- A candidate selected for this position must be current on his or her Federal income tax obligations before employment with the U.S. Tax Court and must remain current at all times while employed by the U.S. Tax Court.
- Continued employment post appointment is subject to satisfactory completion of the background investigation and credit check and favorable adjudication. A background reinvestigation or supplemental investigation may be required at a later time during employment.
- All applicant information is subject to verification.
- The Federal Financial Reform Act requires direct deposit of Federal wages for Court employees.
Qualifications
Trial Clerks are expected (1) to exercise initiative and resourcefulness, (2) to demonstrate exceptional organizational skills, (3) to have high ethical standards, and (4) to exhibit excellent professional written and verbal communication skills. This is a great position for you if you embrace new challenges, are eager to spend time in the courtroom, and are just as comfortable with solo travel as you are with hosting a virtual meeting.
Education
To qualify for the position of Trial Clerk, applicants MUST submit proof that they have received a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution AND that they meet at least one of the following criteria based on (1) class standing or (2)grade-point average, or (3) election to membership in a national scholastic honor society.
- To qualify based on class standing, applicants must be in the upper third of the graduating class in the college, university, or major subdivision, such as the College of Liberal Arts or the School of Business Administration, based on completed courses.
- Applicants may also qualify based on election to membership in a national scholastic honor society. See the Association of College Honor Societies (Certified Societies (Member Directory) (achshonor.org)) for a list of qualifying honor societies. Membership in a freshman honor society cannot be used to meet the requirements of this provision.
- To qualify based on grade-point average, applicants must have a grade-point average of 3.0 or higher out of a possible 4.0 ("B" or better) as recorded on their official transcript, or as computed based on 4 years of education, or as computed based on courses completed during the final 2 years of the curriculum; or 3.5 or higher out of a possible 4.0 ("B+" or better) based on the average of the required courses completed in the major field or the required courses in the major field completed during the final two years of the curriculum.
Benefits
A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
Review our benefits
Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.
How You Will Be Evaluated
You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.
Ratings will be based on an evaluation of applicant's experience as related to the duties of this position and the Special Rating Factors listed above. The resume/application package must provide detailed information showing the extent to which the Special Rating Factors are satisfied. If you fail to provide the information as required, your application will not be evaluated beyond the basic screening process. If you meet the minimum qualifications for this position, the Court will then evaluate your application package to assess the quality, depth, and complexity of your accomplishments, experience, and education as they relate to the requirements listed in this vacancy announcement.
NOTE: AN INCOMPLETE APPLICATION WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED.
Required Documents
Special Rating Factors (Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities the Position Requires): Applicants are required to address each Special Rating Factor providing detailed evidence of the listed factors in the form of clear, concise examples of accomplishment and degree of responsibility. Please use specific examples to illustrate how your qualifications and accomplishments are relevant.
- The ability to communicate effectively, tactfully, and courteously with individuals or groups representing widely different backgrounds, interests, and points of view;
- excellent organizational skills and attention to detail;
- ability to exercise discretion, mature judgment, and independence; and
- ability to be a self-starter, resourceful, technologically adept, and comfortable traveling alone.
REQUIRED DOCUMENTS:
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- A resume highlighting relevant knowledge and experience;
- A supplemental written statement, not to exceed two pages, which provides a brief description of your Special Rating Factors;
- College transcripts; and
- Most recent Notification of Personnel Action, SF-50, if you are or have been a Federal government employee.
How to Apply
All applicants must apply through usajobs.gov.
Application documents must be received by 11:59 p.m. (ET) on the closing date of this announcement.
To begin your online application, click the Apply Online button and follow the prompts to register or sign into USAJOBS, take the online questionnaire, and submit the required documents. See Required Documents section for more details.
Questions regarding this announcement may be directed to the Office of Human Resources at (202) 521-4700 or by email at humanresources@ustaxcourt.gov.
The Court does not accept hard-copy application packages. The Court reserves the right to modify the conditions of this job announcement or to withdraw the announcement, with or without prior written or other notice.
Next steps
After the closing date of this announcement, The Human Resources Office will conduct an evaluation of your qualifications by reviewing your application package. Please be as complete and thorough as possible. At this point you may be contacted for an interview. If you do not meet the key requirements, and/or basic qualifications or you fail to submit all required application materials, your application will not be considered.
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