Help
To learn about the Judiciary's benefits, go to https://www.uscourts.gov/careers/benefits.
The Legal Division of the Office of the Clerk, U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit, has an opening for a highly qualified attorney to serve as a Deputy Director of the Legal Division. The Legal Division's principal responsibility is to recommend to the court the disposition of substantive and procedural motions, appeals decided without oral argument, and emergency matters. Some telework available.
The Legal Division of the Office of the Clerk, U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit, has an opening for a highly qualified attorney to serve as a Deputy Director of the Legal Division. The Legal Division's principal responsibility is to recommend to the court the disposition of substantive and procedural motions, appeals decided without oral argument, and emergency matters. Some telework available.
Steps 24-61
A Deputy Director supervises, develops, and mentors staff attorneys and support staff; responds to inquiries from chambers, the Clerk's Office, the public, and members of the bar; develops and implements personnel policies and conducts performance evaluations; performs special projects as required by the Director of the Legal Division and Clerk of Court; and provides after-hours supervisory duty for emergency matters.
A Deputy Director provides guidance, advice, and assistance to staff attorneys regarding substantive and procedural legal issues. Reviews the legal work of staff attorneys, including draft memoranda and proposed orders, ensuring that the quality of the work comports with court standards. Attends formal conferences at which staff attorneys present their recommendations to three-judge panels. Conducts research on general legal questions posed by judges and the Clerk and prepares memoranda on the results of the research. Provides guidance to court staff on local and federal rules and procedures. Assists the Director of the Legal Division with matters concerning the management of the office, including the evaluation of short- and long-term institutional goals and strategies. Provides back-up to the Director in the Director's absence. Screens cases for jurisdictional issues and assesses the difficulty of the appeal and the necessity for oral argument. Oversees cases dealing with national security, which require special handling of classified materials and other sensitive information. Ensures a stable operation of the Legal Division and participates in hiring decisions. Prepares orders disposing of procedural motions. Provides advice to the Clerk's Office Operations Unit regarding the processing of motions, preparation of vote sheets, and drafting of orders.
The caseload of the D.C. Circuit involves virtually every area of federal law and is unique in the number of cases filed against the executive branch. Because a Deputy Director must be able to advise the judges, Director, and Clerk on difficult, varied, and important legal issues, the court is highly selective in its hiring. The court is looking for an individual who has demonstrated the ability to analyze complex legal issues quickly and to communicate clearly, both orally and in writing.
Prior experience working for a federal court, especially in a Clerk's Office, or a Staff Attorney Office, is preferred. A judicial clerkship, law review membership, or comparable legal research and writing experience is helpful. Other desirable qualifications include litigation experience and graduation in the top 25% of your law school class.
At a minimum, applicants must possess a J.D. degree, be a member of the bar of a state or the District of Columbia and have at least four years of specialized experience gained after graduation from law school, including at least one year equivalent to work at the CL-30 level. Listed salary range assumes that selectee possesses experience that exceeds the minimum requirement or other job-related court-preferred skills.
Specialized Experience
Progressively responsible experience in the practice of law, in legal research, legal administration, or equivalent experience, gained after graduation from law school.
Educational Substitutions
The following may be credited as one year of specialized experience:
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.
To learn about the Judiciary's benefits, go to https://www.uscourts.gov/careers/benefits.
You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.
Applicants will be evaluated based on their application and an interview.
To learn about the Judiciary's benefits, go to https://www.uscourts.gov/careers/benefits.
Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
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.
Email a cover letter (addressed to Felicia Powell, Human Resources Specialist), resume, law school transcript, and self-edited writing sample as a single PDF attachment to VacancyDeputyDirector-USCA-26-09@cadc.uscourts.gov.
Interviews will begin immediately. Due to the large volume of applications, the court will send a letter regarding the status of an application only to those candidates scheduled for interviews. When the position is filled, a notice will be placed on the court's internet site.
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.