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General Counsel

Judicial Branch
Judicial Branch - Agency Wide
Federal Judicial Center

Summary

The Center has an opening for a General Counsel. The General Counsel is responsible for providing legal, policy, and strategic counsel to the Center, and for providing a range of legal support services for all aspects of Center operations, administration, policy, and practice. The position is part of the Director and Deputy Director's Office and reports to the Center's Deputy Director. The General Counsel will often work closely with the Center's senior staff.

Overview

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Accepting applications
Open & closing dates
03/31/2026 to 04/21/2026
Salary
$182,749 - $182,749 per year
Pay scale & grade
AD 00
Location
1 vacancy in the following location:
Washington, DC
Remote job
No
Telework eligible
Yes—as determined by the agency policy.
Travel Required
Occasional travel - You may be expected to travel for this position.
Relocation expenses reimbursed
No
Appointment type
Permanent
Work schedule
Full-time
Service
Excepted
Promotion potential
None
Job family (Series)
Supervisory status
No
Security clearance
Other
Drug test
No
Financial disclosure
Yes
Bargaining unit status
No
Announcement number
26-07
Control number
863299100

This job is open to

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The public

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

Duties

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DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Provides legal advice and guidance to the Director and Deputy Director
  • Drafts, reviews, and provides legal guidance on Center policies, government contracts, and inter-agency agreements
  • Reviews speeches and publications produced by Center leaders and staff
  • Provides legal guidance to supervisors on personnel and employment related issues
  • Reviews and interprets laws that affect the Center
  • Serves as the Center's point of contact for investigations such as by oversight entities of Congressional committees or the Government Accountability Office
  • Serves as or coordinates the Center's representation in legal matters
  • Ensures adherence to all federal regulations, policies, procedures, and ethical standards
  • Builds and sustains strong, collaborative working relationships with internal and external stakeholders, including colleagues across the Center's divisions and offices
  • Coordinates with the Office of General Counsel at the Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts, and other stakeholders as needed
  • Works on special projects as assigned

Requirements

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Conditions of employment

KEY REQUIREMENTS:

The Federal Judicial Center is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to achieving a professional and collegial workplace in which everyone is valued and treated fairly and respectfully.

Qualifications

MANDATORY QUALIFICATIONS:

  • A juris doctor (J.D.) from an accredited law school and active membership in the bar of the highest court of any state, the District of Columbia, or a United States territory or commonwealth
  • Ten years of progressively responsible experience in the practice of law, legal research, legal administration, or equivalent experience
  • Three years of general counsel experience
  • Proven attention to detail and ability to ensure compliance with federal regulations, policies, procedures, and ethical standards
  • Experience advising senior leaders
  • Ability to work independently under limited guidance and direction, respond efficiently to changing priorities, and meet deadlines
  • Aptitude for collaborative problem-solving and consensus-building
  • Ability to consistently exercise sound ethics and judgment and maintain confidentiality
  • Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS:
  • Experience working in the Judicial Branch
  • Knowledge of the Guide to Judiciary Policy
  • Knowledge of federal personnel and employment law
  • Knowledge of federal procurement and contracting law

Education

A juris doctor (J.D.) from an accredited law school and active membership in the bar of the highest court of any state, the District of Columbia, or a United States territory or commonwealth.

Additional information

SALARY AND BENEFITS:

This position is in pay band 6, with a salary range of $152,291 to $229,908, including the 2026 Washington, D.C. locality adjustment. The starting salary is $182,749 (includes 2026 D.C. locality) and is non-negotiable.

For internal candidates, salaries will be adjusted as follows: if the candidate's current salary is below the starting salary, it will be increased to $182,749 (includes 2026 D.C. locality); if it exceeds the starting salary, it will be matched, up to the pay band 6 maximum of $229,908 (includes 2026 D.C. locality).

The position is in Washington, D.C. and the selected candidate must be prepared to work in the TMFJB on a regular basis. This position provides limited telework options. The Center does not pay for relocation expenses; however, Center employees receive reimbursement for official business travel.

This position does not carry the tenure rights of positions in the competitive civil service.

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.

Selected applicants will be evaluated based upon the question responses provided during a structured interview.

Judicial Branch - Agency Wide

The Federal Judicial Center (Center) is the federal courts' agency for research and continuing education. Congress established the Center in 1967 as a separate organization within the federal judicial system at the request of the Judicial Conference of the United States. A nine-member board, chaired by the Chief Justice of the United States, determines its basic policies.

Agency contact information

Elia Bendavid
Phone
202-502-4165
Email
personnel@fjc.gov
Address
Federal Judicial Center
Thurgood Marshall Federal Judiciary Building
One Columbus Circle, N.E.
Washington, DC 20002-8003
US

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