Federal

Senior Staff Attorney (Senior Executive)

U.S. Courts ยท Judicial Branch
๐Ÿ“ Cincinnati, Ohio JS-17 $207,565 - $240,466/yr
Posted: Feb 27, 2026 Deadline: Mar 26, 2026 (Closed days left)

About This Position

The Senior Staff Attorney is the chief operating officer for the Staff Attorneys' Office. The Senior Staff Attorney directs attorneys and administrative staff, with full responsibility for the legal and administrative operations of the office, including long-range strategic planning, policy development and implementation, and budget oversight.

Qualifications

Required: Membership in good standing in the bar of a state, territorial or federal court of general jurisdiction. Expertise in federal appellate, civil, and criminal procedure, as well as significant understanding of constitutional law. At least ten years of experience in the practice of law, legal research, or legal administration, and at least five years of substantial management responsibility.

Superior analytical, research, and writing skills; outstanding written and oral communication abilities; strong interpersonal skills; knowledge of automated systems; and a demonstrated ability to manage professional staff. Preferred: Related experience in a federal court, government agency, or equivalent environment. Specialized education in public or judicial administration.

Training in court management.

Major Duties

The Senior Staff Attorney is the chief operating officer for the Staff Attorneys' Office. The Senior Staff Attorney is a statutory position appointed by the Court and reports to the Chief Circuit Judge. The Senior Staff Attorney directs attorneys and administrative staff, with full responsibility for the legal and administrative operations of the office, including long-range strategic planning, policy development and implementation, and budget oversight.

The responsibilities of the position also include: Ensure the high quality and timely submission of the office's work product. Establish and maintain sound working relationships with other court units. Advise the Court on legal and procedural matters.

Serve on the Court's executive leadership team, staff Court committees, and advise the Administrative Office together with other Circuits' Senior Staff Attorneys.

Conditions of Employment

The selected candidate is provisionally hired pending results of background investigation and fingerprinting.

This position is subject to updated background investigations every five years. Applicants selected for an interview must complete the Optional Background Information section on the Judiciary's application. The incumbent is required to complete an annual financial disclosure report.

Travel for this position is required. Employees are required to adhere to the Judicial Code of Conduct for Judicial Employees. Electronic Fund Transfer for payroll direct deposit is required. Positions with the U.S.

Courts are at-will, excepted service appointments, and may be terminated with or without cause by the Court. For citizenship requirements and additional information about careers in the Judiciary, visit www.uscourts.gov/careers. The Court reserves the right to modify the conditions of this announcement, or to withdraw the announcement for any reason without notice.

Education

A Juris Doctor degree from an accredited law school.

How You Will Be Evaluated

N/A

Additional Information

Visit www.ca6.uscourts.gov/employment for complete posting.

How to Apply

Please submit a single PDF application packet to the Director of Human Resources via the Apply to Position button on our online application system - https://u-s-courts.breezy.hr/p/fd282ddb72b8-senior-staff-attorney-senior-executive-position

Required Documents

Cover letter addressing your qualifications and experience performing the representative duties and how you learned of the position and a current resume in one pdf.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the salary for the Senior Staff Attorney (Senior Executive) position at U.S. Courts?
The salary range for this position is $207,565 - $240,466/yr. This is a JS-17 position on the General Schedule pay scale. Actual pay may vary based on locality adjustments.
Where is the Senior Staff Attorney (Senior Executive) job located?
This position is located in Cincinnati, Ohio. This is an on-site position.
What qualifications do I need?
Required: Membership in good standing in the bar of a state, territorial or federal court of general jurisdiction. Expertise in federal appellate, civil, and criminal procedure, as well as significant understanding of constitutional law. At least ten years of experience in the practice of law, legal research, or legal administration, and at leas...
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 26, 2026.
Is a security clearance required?
No security clearance is required for this position.
What does JS-17 mean?
JS-17 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.