About This Position
The U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit has an immediate opening for a highly qualified attorney to serve as a court attorney. The court attorney supports the work of the Legal Division of the Office of the Clerk.
Qualifications
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 the court attorney must be able to advise the judges on difficult, varied, and important legal issues, the court is highly selective in its hiring. The court is looking for individuals who have demonstrated the ability to research and analyze complex legal issues in depth and to express themselves clearly, both orally and in writing. To qualify for the CL 30 level, you must be a member of the bar of a state or the District of Columbia and have at least three years of specialized experience after graduation from law school. 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; Graduation from a law school on the approved list of the American Bar Association or that of the Association of American Law Schools with an advanced degree (LLM or equivalent); or Demonstrated proficiency in legal studies, which, in the opinion of the appointing official, is the equivalent of the above.
Major Duties
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. The court attorney will conduct legal research, prepare legal memoranda, draft proposed orders, respond to judges' inquiries, and make oral presentations. The court attorney will meet with three-judge panels in formal conferences about twice a month. At conference, the court attorney and staff attorneys answer any questions about their cases, and the panel discusses and votes on the attorneys' recommendations. The court attorney and staff attorneys may also present their recommendations orally to the judges when handling time-sensitive emergency motions.
Conditions of Employment
Because the D.C. Circuit entertains a large number of high-profile and sealed cases, the court attorney is subject to strict confidentiality requirements. Must be a U.S. citizen or eligible to work in the United States. The position is subject to the Code of Conduct for Judicial Employees. Direct deposit of pay is required. In addition, your continued employment is contingent upon the satisfactory completion of a background check. A full background investigation for a security clearance may be required.
Education
At a minimum, applicants must possess a J.D. degree as of the position's start date. A judicial clerkship or internship, law review membership, or comparable legal research and writing experience is desirable. Litigation experience is advantageous. Graduation in the top 25% of your law school is preferred.
How You Will Be Evaluated
Applicants will be evaluated based on their application and an interview.
Additional Information
Selected applicants will serve a one-year probationary period. Employees of the federal judiciary are excepted service appointments. Appointments are "at will' and may be terminated with or without cause by the Court. The United States Courthouse is a smoke-free building. The United States Court of Appeals is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer.
How to Apply
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 [email protected].
Required Documents
Cover letter Resume Law school transcript Self-edited writing sample
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the salary for the Court Attorney position at U.S. Courts?
The salary range for this position is $113,975 - $185,258/yr. This is a CL-30 position on the General Schedule pay scale. Actual pay may vary based on locality adjustments.
Where is the Court Attorney job located?
This position is located in Washington, District of Columbia. This is an on-site position.
What qualifications do I need?
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 the court attorney must be able to advise the judges on difficult, varied, and important legal issues, the court is highly selective in its hiring. The court is looking for individuals who...
How do I apply for this position?
Apply through USAJobs.gov by clicking the 'Apply on USAJobs' button. You'll need a USAJobs account, a federal-style resume, and supporting documents. The deadline is Mar 12, 2026.
Is a security clearance required?
No security clearance is required for this position.
What does CL-30 mean?
CL-30 refers to the General Schedule grade level. Higher grades require more experience and offer higher pay. Visit our GS Pay Scale page for full salary tables by grade and locality.
What benefits do federal employees receive?
Federal employees receive comprehensive benefits including health insurance (FEHB), retirement through FERS, Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) with government matching, paid annual and sick leave, paid parental leave, life insurance, and student loan repayment programs.