General Counsel and Assistant General Counsel

The General Counsel provides legal advice and assistance to the U.S. Tax Court. The General Counsel works under the general supervision of the Chief Judge. The Assistant General Counsel assists the General Counsel in providing legal and policy advice and assistance to Judges and Court staff on a broad variety of issues. Both the General Counsel and Assistant General Counsel have a confidential working relationship with the Clerk of the Court, Judges, Special Trial Judges, and senior staff.

Candidates must be a graduate of a full course study in a School of Law (must have a J.D. or an LL.B. degree) accredited by the American Bar Association and a member in good standing of the bar of a state, territory of the United States, the District of Columbia, or the commonwealth of Puerto Rico.

The General Counsel (1.) Serves as a principal general legal adviser to the Court, interpreting laws and providing legal opinions on a breadth of practice areas including but not limited to procurement law and government contracts, appropriations law, and employment law; (2.) Provides advice and guidance on legislative, administrative, organizational, ethics and conduct, budgetary, and management matters; (3.) Serves as the Court's compliance officer and evaluates activities and functions to assess compliance with laws, regulations and contract provisions. Identifies deficiencies and makes recommendations to ensure compliance with program requirements; (4.) Drafts policy and related documents to memorialize the Court's stance on a variety of issues affecting Court operations; (5.) Represents the Judges and employees acting in their official capacities in judicial and administrative proceedings. This includes drafting pleadings, reviewing complaints, and coordinating with the Department of Justice and or outside counsel on such matters.

The Assistant General Counsel assists the General Counsel in providing legal and policy advice and recommendations, including written opinions, with respect to a broad variety of administrative, organizational, and management matters affecting the Court. Practice areas include, but are not limited to, tax law, procurement law and government contracts, appropriations law, and employment law. The Assistant General Counsel also assists with Court Committee work, legislation, budget matters, ethics inquiries, opinion review, suits against Judges and the Court, and substantive and procedural matters relating to cases before the Court.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS AND EVALUATION CRITERIA:

The successful applicant should be a highly motivated self-starter, an organized team player, and must consistently exhibit good judgment and tact. To qualify for the position:

• Candidates must be a graduate of a full course study in a School of Law (must have a J.D. or an LL.B. degree) accredited by the American Bar Association and a member in good standing of the bar of a state, territory of the United States, the District of Columbia, or the commonwealth of Puerto Rico.

• Must possess at least ten (General Counsel) or six (Assistant General Counsel) years of legal professional experience as a private practitioner or as an attorney on the staff of a government law office or court, and managerial experience related to the field of litigation or adjudication. Managerial or legal experience within the Federal court system is preferred.

• Ability to respond to requests on short notice and to manage multiple tasks and stringent deadlines.

• Aptitude and experience dealing with professional legal staff, court personnel, Federal agency officials, and the public and an ability to effectively communicate orally and in writing.

• Solid critical-thinking and problem-solving skills.

• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.