The position of attorney in the Office of General Counsel (OGC) is a unique opportunity to serve the court as a whole. OGC directly assists judges with motions and mandamus petitions and works across a broad spectrum of matters-from pro se cases to complex patent litigation. OGC attorneys draft memos and orders, discuss cases with judges, and advise on appropriate case disposition. OGC attorneys also have opportunities for civic engagement with students through the Center for Innovation & Law.
Summary
The position of attorney in the Office of General Counsel (OGC) is a unique opportunity to serve the court as a whole. OGC directly assists judges with motions and mandamus petitions and works across a broad spectrum of matters-from pro se cases to complex patent litigation. OGC attorneys draft memos and orders, discuss cases with judges, and advise on appropriate case disposition. OGC attorneys also have opportunities for civic engagement with students through the Center for Innovation & Law.
The Office of General Counsel (OGC) directly assists judges with motions and mandamus petitions and works across a broad spectrum of matters-from pro se cases to complex patent litigation. OGC attorneys draft memos and orders, discuss cases with judges, and advise on appropriate case disposition. OGC attorneys also have opportunities for civic engagement with students through the Center for Innovation & Law.
Only those applicants selected for an interview will be contacted. For in-person interviews, candidates must travel at their own expense. The court reserves the right to modify the conditions of this announcement, commence interviews immediately, withdraw the announcement, or fill the position at any time, any of which actions may occur without notice.
The position will report to downtown Washington, DC; limited telework may be available on an ad hoc basis and/or according to agency policy. Employees of the United States Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit are excepted service, at-will appointees. Federal civil service classifications or regulations do not apply. All offers of employment are provisional pending successful completion of a background check or investigation and a favorable employment suitability determination. This position is subject to Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) for payroll deposit.
Applicants must be a U.S. citizen or otherwise eligible to work in the United States. Non-citizens may be interviewed and considered but will receive employment offers only if they qualify under an exception in 8 U.S.C.§ 1324b(a)(3)(B). Under that provision, a lawful permanent resident seeking citizenship may not apply until having held permanent resident status for at least five years (three years if seeking naturalization as the spouse of a U.S. citizen); once eligible, the individual must apply for citizenship within six months and complete the process within two years of applying (absent delays caused by application processors). Non-citizens who have not held permanent resident status for five years must execute an affidavit affirming their intent to apply for citizenship once eligible.
Qualifications
Specialized Experience
CL 30: A minimum of three (3) years of progressively responsible experience as a lawyer (in a court, law firm, federal government agency, or similar setting) that has provided the knowledge, skills, and abilities needed to perform this role. This experience must include at least one year at the CL-29 level or its equivalent. Federal court experience is preferred.
CL 31: A minimum of four (4) years of progressively responsible experience as a lawyer (in a court, law firm, federal government agency, or similar setting) that has provided the knowledge, skills, and abilities needed to perform this role. This experience must include at least one year at the CL-30 level or its equivalent. Appointment at the CL 31 level also requires an undergraduate degree in science or engineering. Federal court experience is preferred.
Competencies/Qualifications
Ability to independently research and analyze complex legal and record-specific issues
Strong oral communication, writing, and editing skills
Strong attention to detail and the ability to work efficiently under tight deadlines
Federal clerkship experience highly desired
Patent litigation experience and science background preferred but not required
Education
Candidates must, at minimum, possess a Juris Doctor (JD) degree from an ABA-accredited law school and be an active member of the bar of a state, territory, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, or a federal court of general jurisdiction.
The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit is an Equal 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.
The candidate selected for this position will be eligible for a generous federal employee benefits package, including:
Paid vacation and sick leave, paid parental leave, and 11 paid federal holidays per year.
Optional participation in Federal Employees Health Benefits (health, dental and vision), Federal Employees Group Life Insurance, and the Flexible Benefits Program.
Public transportation subsidy, on-site fitness center, Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
Participation in the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS). Optional participation in Thrift Savings Plan (up to 5% employer matched contributions).
Public Service Loan Forgiveness program pursuant to the terms of the (PSLF) program.
The candidate selected for this position will be eligible for a generous federal employee benefits package, including:
Paid vacation and sick leave, paid parental leave, and 11 paid federal holidays per year.
Optional participation in Federal Employees Health Benefits (health, dental and vision), Federal Employees Group Life Insurance, and the Flexible Benefits Program.
Public transportation subsidy, on-site fitness center, Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
Participation in the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS). Optional participation in Thrift Savings Plan (up to 5% employer matched contributions).
Public Service Loan Forgiveness program pursuant to the terms of the (PSLF) program.
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.
To be considered application packages must include:
Cover letter (no more than two pages) describing the knowledge, skills, abilities, and/or experience that qualify the applicant for this position.
Résumé outlining educational background, employment history, and other relevant information.
Writing sample (limited to 10 pages) that is not a law review article or other work substantially edited by others.
List of two professional references, including name, title, and contact information.
Completed online AO-78, Federal Judicial Branch Application for Employment.
Once your cover letter, résumé, and writing sample (items 1-3) are ready in PDF format, use the link below to submit your files, provide your references (item 4) and complete the online AO-78 (item 5): https://www.ondemandassessment.com/o/JB-OIHZDBF9P/landing?u=1142493
Applicants who require an exception to the online application process may contact Human Resources at hr@cafc.uscourts.gov. Please note: applications submitted directly to this email address will not be reviewed.
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.
To be considered application packages must include:
Cover letter (no more than two pages) describing the knowledge, skills, abilities, and/or experience that qualify the applicant for this position.
Résumé outlining educational background, employment history, and other relevant information.
Writing sample (limited to 10 pages) that is not a law review article or other work substantially edited by others.
List of two professional references, including name, title, and contact information.
Completed online AO-78, Federal Judicial Branch Application for Employment.
Once your cover letter, résumé, and writing sample (items 1-3) are ready in PDF format, use the link below to submit your files, provide your references (item 4) and complete the online AO-78 (item 5): https://www.ondemandassessment.com/o/JB-OIHZDBF9P/landing?u=1142493
Applicants who require an exception to the online application process may contact Human Resources at hr@cafc.uscourts.gov. Please note: applications submitted directly to this email address will not be reviewed.
