About This Position
The National Childhood Vaccine Injury Act of 1986 (42 U.S.C. §§ 300aa-10 - 300aa-34 (2006)) vests jurisdiction in the Court of Federal Claims to decide vaccine injury cases. The Court's judges appoint special masters for four-year terms, subject to reappointment for additional four-year terms.
Qualifications
Special masters should have experience managing large caseloads, managing legal and administrative staff, writing opinions or substantive legal memoranda and briefs, and conducting or actively participating in courtroom proceedings. Significant experience as a judicial law clerk, trial attorney, administrative law judge, or in a similar role is critical. The position requires maturity, facility with the principles of litigation and alternative dispute resolution, demeanor appropriate to the position, and experience working with complex factual issues involving expert testimony and terminology, preferably in the field of medicine, immunology, or biology. The successful candidate must be a self-starter as well as detail oriented. The candidate must be highly organized and tactful, possess good judgment, poise and initiative, and maintain a professional appearance and demeanor at all times. Must have strong prioritizing and problem-solving skills. Must have solid communication skills (written & oral) to communicate effectively with persons within the court of various levels of technology expertise front line staff to chambers, as well as with persons outside the court. A demonstrated ability to work harmoniously with others in a team environment and to exhibit a professional manner is a must. To qualify for the position, an applicant: Must be a United States citizen and member in good standing of the bar of the highest court of a state, territory, or the District of Columbia for a minimum of five years. Must have at least seven years of experience in the active practice of law or other suitable legal experience such as: Judge of a state court of record, judge of a federal agency board, administrative law judge, or hearing officer; Attorney for a federal or state agency; Private law firm senior associate, counsel, or partner, who has served in a first- or second-chair role in a trial; Law clerk to a judge or judicial officer; or Professor of law. Must have demonstrated professional competence, including an ability to deal with complicated legal problems, an aptitude for legal scholarship and writing, and the high professional regard of other lawyers. Must have demonstrated familiarity with the federal court system, such as, for example, recent litigation in federal court. Knowledge of the Rules of the Court of Federal Claims in general, and of its "Vaccine Rules" in particular, is also desirable. Medical-related knowledge and experience preferred.
Major Duties
The special masters function as the trial judges in these often medically complex vaccine cases. They oversee all aspects of record development, conduct evidentiary hearings, resolve factual and legal disputes, and issue final decisions on entitlement to compensation, damages, and attorney's fees and costs. Special masters rule on motions and evidentiary issues, and they supervise alternative dispute resolution processes. A special master's final decision is subject to appeal to the Court of Federal Claims, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit, and, ultimately, to the Supreme Court of the United States.
Conditions of Employment
The selected candidate must successfully complete an in-depth FBI background investigation and Internal Revenue Service tax check, and is subject to five-year update investigations similar to the initial one. Must be willing to travel.
Education
The candidate must have a degree from an accredited law school.
How You Will Be Evaluated
The best-qualified applicants will be invited for in-person interviews in Washington, D.C., with a committee of judges and special masters of the Court of Federal Claims. Because of the large number of applications anticipated, only those applicants invited for interviews will be contacted by the Court. Applicants selected for interviews must travel at their own expense. Interview and relocation expenses will not be reimbursed.
Additional Information
This is an "Excepted Appointment" and an "At Will" position. Federal Government Civil Service classifications or regulations do not apply. If offered employment, such employment will be provisional pending the satisfactory completion of a mandatory Fingerprint and Background Investigation. The provisional nature of your employment, however, will not affect your start date, salary, or other benefits. The court reserves the right to modify the conditions of this job announcement, to withdraw the job announcement, and/or to commence interviews immediately, any of which actions may occur without prior written or other notice. The United States Court of Federal Claims is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
How to Apply
Ensure that your application package contains the following required documents: Cover letter addressed to Chief Judge Matthew Solomson, United States Court of Federal Claims, including an indication of how the applicant learned of the vacancy (e.g., from USAJOBS, the Court's website, etc); Resume; Two (2) unedited or minimally edited writing samples (totaling no more than 50 pages combined); Three (3) professional references (name, affiliation, and contact information) from persons who are familiar with your work. All documents must be combined into a single PDF file and e-mailed to: [email protected]. Zip files and faxes will not be accepted. Please include the Title and Job Announcement Number in the subject line.
Required Documents
Cover letter addressed to Chief Judge Matthew Solomson, United States Court of Federal Claims, including an indication of how the applicant learned of the vacancy (e.g., from USAJOBS, the Court's website, etc); Resume; Two (2) unedited or minimally edited writing samples (totaling no more than 50 pages combined); Three (3) professional references (name, affiliation, and contact information) from persons who are familiar with your work. See 'How to Apply' for instructions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the salary for the Special Master position at U.S. Courts?
The salary range for this position is $228,000 - $228,000/yr. This is a CL-00 position on the General Schedule pay scale. Actual pay may vary based on locality adjustments.
Where is the Special Master job located?
This position is located in Washington, District of Columbia. This is an on-site position.
What qualifications do I need?
Special masters should have experience managing large caseloads, managing legal and administrative staff, writing opinions or substantive legal memoranda and briefs, and conducting or actively participating in courtroom proceedings. Significant experience as a judicial law clerk, trial attorney, administrative law judge, or in a similar role is ...
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 20, 2026.
Is a security clearance required?
Yes, a Confidential clearance is required.
What does CL-00 mean?
CL-00 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.