Legal Advisor

The United States Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit (CAFC) is unique among the thirteen Circuit Courts of Appeal. It has nationwide jurisdiction in a variety of subject areas, including international trade, government contracts, patents, trademarks, certain money claims against the United States government, federal personnel, veterans' benefits, and public safety officers' benefits claims. For additional information about our court please click here. At a minimum, candidates must possess a Juris Doctor (JD) degree. The United States Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit is seeking a qualified candidate to serve as a Legal Advisor. The Legal Advisor advises the Circuit Executive and Clerk of Court on day-to-day legal, administrative, and policy matters for the court. The incumbent independently conducts legal research, provides analysis, prepares reports, and drafts court procedures and policy documents. The Legal Advisor provides appropriate guidance to senior staff and management on administrative and operational areas as needed to ensure the effective operations of the court. This position does not work on substantive matters involving cases pending before the court, and this position includes a combination of legal and administrative functions. This position is expected to work on-site in Washington, D.C., with limited telework availability.

For a full list of Duties, please visit: https://cafc.uscourts.gov/wp-content/uploads/HR/JobAnnouncements/CAFC-24-03-LegalAdvisor.pdf.

• CL-27 ($66,197 - $82,764): Graduation with a Juris Doctor (JD) degree from a law school that has been accredited by a recognized accrediting authority and admission to practice before the highest court of a State, Territory, Commonwealth, or federal court of general jurisdiction of the United States within the first year of employment.
• CL-28 ($79,339 - $128,992): One year of specialized experience and active bar membership.
• CL-29 ($94,359 - $153,366): Two years of specialized experience and active bar membership.
• CL 30 ($111,507 - $181,228): Three years of specialized experience and active bar membership.

The incumbent must be an innovative and creative problem solver who can effectively work with staff to define and develop solutions to business problems. Also, the ability to work independently in a team environment as well as the ability to manage multiple priorities within strict deadlines in a fast-paced environment.

The following may be credited as one year of specialized experience:

• Graduation in the upper third of class from a law school accredited by the American Bar Association or the Association of American Law Schools;
• Membership on the editorial board of a law review of such a school; or
• Graduation with an advanced degree from a law school accredited by the American Bar Association or the Association of American Law Schools.

*Specialized experience is defined as post-law school work experience engaged in the practice of law either in private practice, for a non-profit organization, for a government agency, or in a judicial clerkship.

Preferred Qualifications

• Graduation in the upper third of law school class; membership on the editorial board of a law review or similar publication; special high-level honors for academic excellence in law school such as election to the Order of the Coif, teaching or research assistant in law school, publication in a law review, or participation in a law school clinical program.
• Prior experience as a federal law clerk or court staff legal position.
• Demonstrated knowledge of court culture and organizational dynamics, such as through a prior position or internship with a federal or state court.
• Prior non-litigation operational or administrative experience in either the federal or state judiciary.
• Knowledge of and experience with SharePoint Online and Microsoft Office 365.