The Chambers Administrator (CA) administers the operations of a Presidentially-appointed Judge's Chambers, performing technically complex and confidential administrative duties. The CA serves as the Chambers' point of contact for counsel and parties in pending cases and for Court staff and develops procedures for managing cases submitted to the Judge for adjudication.
The Chambers of the Hon. Courtney D. Jones prefers applicants who have completed formal paralegal training or work experience.
Summary
The Chambers Administrator (CA) administers the operations of a Presidentially-appointed Judge's Chambers, performing technically complex and confidential administrative duties. The CA serves as the Chambers' point of contact for counsel and parties in pending cases and for Court staff and develops procedures for managing cases submitted to the Judge for adjudication.
The Chambers of the Hon. Courtney D. Jones prefers applicants who have completed formal paralegal training or work experience.
The Chambers Administrator (CA) is responsible for administering the operations of a Presidentially-appointed Judge's Chambers, performing technically complex and confidential administrative duties, and functioning as a paralegal. The CA serves as the Chambers' point of contact for counsel and parties in pending cases and for Court staff. The CA also serves as the principal liaison between the Chambers and the Court's administrative services, including Facilities, Financial Management, and Human Resources.
Administrative and confidential assistant duties include: managing the chambers in accordance with standards established by the Judge; establishing or refining procedures for proper handling, organizing, and maintaining of records; providing for the receipt, handling, and dispatch of case-related mail, memoranda, legal files, and documents filed in cases assigned to the Judge; recommending improvements in administrative policies within the Chambers; acquiring needed equipment and supplies; receiving, processing, and preparing the Judge's responses to Law Clerk and/or Attorney-Adviser applications according to the hiring needs and policies of the Judge; drafting memoranda relating to Law Clerk and or Attorney-Advisor promotions; acting as the Chambers' manager for purposes of leave approval and time and attendance records; securing travel arrangements and processing reimbursements and expense reports. The CA serves as the Judge's confidential assistant, screening telephone calls, arranging appointments and conferences, and assembling necessary informational materials.
Case management duties include: serving as case manager for cases assigned to the Judge; developing and maintaining procedures for tracking cases calendared for trial at trial sessions; reviewing and organizing materials related to trial sessions, such as pretrial memoranda, pending motions, orders previously issued, and final status reports; following procedures for handling sealed records; developing procedures for managing cases submitted to the Judge for adjudication; and overseeing groups of docketed cases assigned to the Judge. The CA will also inform and, if needed, remind the Judge of matters in the Court or the Chambers requiring consideration and disposition.
Paralegal functions include: drafting orders; checking factual findings and legal citations in opinions; and reviewing transcripts and incoming motions and memoranda. In addition, the CA proofreads and formats draft opinions, including by correcting grammar and punctuation, as well as checking for accuracy.
Applicants must be United States Citizens or Nationals.
All Court employees are required to adhere to the Code of Conduct for U.S. Tax Court Employees.
Employment at the United States Tax Court is subject to the provisions of the United States Tax Court Personnel Management System, a distinct system of personnel management practices specific to the Court as authorized by Public Law 111-366.
The United States Tax Court Personnel Management System adheres to the provisions set forth in section 2301(b) of title 5, United States Code (Merit Systems Principles) and section 2302(b) of title 5, United States Code (Prohibited Personnel Practices). All United States Tax Court personnel must conduct themselves in accordance with these provisions.
Appointments under the United States Tax Court Personnel Management System subsequent to January 4, 2011, do not grant the rights to (a) appeal a reduction in grade or removal to the Merit Systems Protection Board under chapter 43 of title 5, United States Code; (b) appeal an adverse action to the Merit Systems Protection Board under chapter 75 of title 5, United States Code; (c) appeal a prohibited personnel practice described under section 2302(b) of title 5, United States Code, to the Merit Systems Protection Board under chapter 77 of that title (d) make an allegation of a prohibited personnel practice described under section 2302(b) of title 5, United States Code, with the Office of Special Counsel under chapter 12 of that title for action in accordance with that chapter; or (e) file an appeal with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission under part 1614 of title 29 of the Code of Federal Regulations.
Employment with U.S. Tax Court is "at-will;" employment may be terminated at any time by either party, with or without cause.
Those who are required must abide by Selective Service registration requirements.
Appointment to these positions is contingent upon favorable suitability determination and security background checks, which include a credit check and a criminal check
See "ADDITIONAL INFORMATION" for complete Conditions of Employment.
Qualifications
Basis of Rating: Ratings will be based on an evaluation of experience as it relates to the duties of the position, and on the Special Rating Factors listed below. An applicant must provide detailed information in the application package demonstrating that the Special Rating Factors are satisfied. An applicant's resume should reflect how that applicant's background and experience relate to the rating factors listed. An applicant must provide a cover letter that outlines his/her relevant experience.
Special Rating Factors: (Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Required)
High skill level and ability in using computer programs such as MS365 (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Teams, SharePoint), Lexis/Nexis, and Westlaw.
Demonstrated paralegal skills such as citation checking and verifying authorities contained in opinions, orders, and other legal documents.
Demonstrated ability and skill in analyzing, reviewing, and evaluating established office and/or case management procedures to determine if existing procedures are effective and efficient and to develop new procedures to meet new or changing situations.
Ability and skill in drafting legal documents, demonstrating attention to detail and proper grammar, spelling, and punctuation.
Education
Completion of an accredited paralegal program or paralegal experience is preferred.
A Bachelor's Degree from an accredited college or university is preferred.
Additional information
CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT (CONTINUED)
A candidate selected for this position must be current on his or her federal income tax obligations before employment with the Tax Court and must remain current while employed by the Tax Court. Continued employment post-appointment is subject to satisfactory completion of the background investigation and credit check, and favorable adjudication. A subsequent background reinvestigation or supplemental investigation may be required.
The Federal Financial Reform Act requires direct deposit of federal wages for Court employees.
Employment at the United States Tax Court is subject to the provisions of the United States Tax Court Personnel Management System, a distinct system of personnel management practices specific to the Court as authorized by Public Law 111-366.
The United States Tax Court Personnel Management System adheres to the provisions set forth in section 2301(b) of title 5, United States Code (Merit Systems Principles) and section 2302(b) of title 5, United States Code (Prohibited Personnel Practices). All United States Tax Court personnel must conduct themselves in accordance with these provisions.
Appointments under the United States Tax Court Personnel Management System subsequent to January 4, 2011, do not grant the rights to (a) appeal a reduction in grade or removal to the Merit Systems Protection Board under chapter 43 of title 5, United States Code; (b) appeal an adverse action to the Merit Systems Protection Board under chapter 75 of title 5, United States Code; (c) appeal a prohibited personnel practice described under section 2302(b) of title 5, United States Code, to the Merit Systems Protection Board under chapter 77 of that title (d) make an allegation of a prohibited personnel practice described under section 2302(b) of title 5, United States Code, with the Office of Special Counsel under chapter 12 of that title for action in accordance with that chapter; or (e) file an appeal with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission under part 1614 of title 29 of the Code of Federal Regulations.
Employment with U.S. Tax Court is "at-will;" employment may be terminated at any time by either party, with or without cause.
New appointments to the Federal service require a probationary period of 52 weeks. Appointments to the Tax Court from other Federal positions may require a probationary period of up to 52 weeks.
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.
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.
How You Will Be Evaluated: 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. If you meet those requirements and are among the best-qualified candidates, you will be referred to the hiring manager(s) for consideration. If the hiring manager(s) select(s) you for an interview, you will hear directly from the hiring manager(s).
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.
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 to Apply: All applicants must submit, in PDF format, the REQUIRED DOCUMENTS outlined below. These application materials must be submitted electronically through USAJOBS by 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on January 26, 2024. See USAJOBS Help Center - How does the application process work? for guidance.
Attention to detail and compliance with instructions on how to apply will be considered in the evaluation of applications.
A supplemental written statement, not to exceed two pages, which provides a brief description of how your experience relates to the duties outlined in this vacancy announcement.
Contact information for 3 professional references.
EFFECT OF EXCEPTED SERVICE APPOINTMENT IN THE U.S. TAX COURT ON COMPETIVE STATUS: Title 26, Section 7471(a)(9) provides that "Notwithstanding any other provision of law, any employee of the Tax Court who has completed at least 1 year of continuous service under a non-temporary appointment with the Tax Court acquires a competitive status for appointment to any position in the competitive service for which the employee possesses the required qualifications."
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 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.
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.
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
How to Apply: All applicants must submit, in PDF format, the REQUIRED DOCUMENTS outlined below. These application materials must be submitted electronically through USAJOBS by 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on January 26, 2024. See USAJOBS Help Center - How does the application process work? for guidance.
Attention to detail and compliance with instructions on how to apply will be considered in the evaluation of applications.
A supplemental written statement, not to exceed two pages, which provides a brief description of how your experience relates to the duties outlined in this vacancy announcement.
Contact information for 3 professional references.
EFFECT OF EXCEPTED SERVICE APPOINTMENT IN THE U.S. TAX COURT ON COMPETIVE STATUS: Title 26, Section 7471(a)(9) provides that "Notwithstanding any other provision of law, any employee of the Tax Court who has completed at least 1 year of continuous service under a non-temporary appointment with the Tax Court acquires a competitive status for appointment to any position in the competitive service for which the employee possesses the required qualifications."
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 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.
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.
Fair and transparent
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.