Federal Judicial Staff Attorney

Position: Federal Judicial Staff Attorney(s) 

Location: Atlanta, Georgia

Appointment: Full Time/Two-year Term 

Area of Consideration: Nationwide

Salary: $76,671 (CL 27/25), with promotion potential to $91,897 (CL 28/25) without further competition 

Opening and Closing Dates: The Staff Attorney’s Office is accepting applications for staff attorney positions that will start throughout 2024.

POSITION OVERVIEW

The Staff Attorney's Office serves the court at large rather than individual judges. Staff attorneys review case records and filings, conduct legal research, and draft bench memoranda and proposed opinions to assist the judges in the consideration and resolution of a wide variety of cases on appeal. Staff Attorneys develop expertise in civil and criminal procedure and in various areas of substantive law, including criminal, sentencing, immigration, employment discrimination, civil rights, habeas corpus, and Social Security. Additionally, a specialized team within the office assists the court in the initial review of all appeals for the purpose of determining appellate jurisdiction. Another specialized team presents substantive motions to the court, including motions for in forma pauperis status, certificates of appealability, transcripts at government expense, and withdrawal/substitution of counsel. Finally, our special appellate 

matters unit handles special projects from the court and tracks legal issues as they develop in the U.S. Supreme Court and the Eleventh Circuit.

BENEFITS

· Paid vacation time from 13 to 26 days per year, depending on length of federal service

· 13 paid sick days per year

· 11 paid holidays per year 

· Qualifying employment for Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program

· Federal Employees Health Benefits Program (FEHB)

· Federal Employees Dental and Vision Insurance (FEDVIP)

· Federal Employees’ Group Life Insurance (FEGLI)

· Flexible spending accounts for healthcare, dependent care, and commuter expenses

· Federal Occupational Health Services Program (FOH)

· Employee Assistance Program (EAP) and Work/Life Services Program

· On-site physical fitness facility

· Potential for some regular and recurring telework 

For more detailed information about federal court benefits, please go to:  Benefits | United States Courts (uscourts.gov)

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

· Juris Doctor degree from a law school of recognized standing at the time of appointment

· Outstanding academic credentials and exceptional analytical, research, writing, and editing skills

· Proficiency in computer-assisted research, Windows, and Word

· Strong communication skills and attention to detail

· Law journal, moot court, or equivalent significant writing and editing experience strongly preferred 

HOW TO APPLY:

Applicants may apply through the Online System for Clerkship Application and Review (OSCAR) or mail a resume, cover letter, law school transcript, self-edited writing sample, and a list of at least three professional references to Sara Gilibert, Manager for Recruiting, Training, and Professional Development, Eleventh Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals, Staff Attorney’s Office, 56 Forsyth Street, N.W., Atlanta, Georgia 30303-2289. Applicants must include their most recent law school class rank and/or percentile available or include a brief explanation as to why this information is unavailable.

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

 Applicants must be U.S. citizens or must be eligible to work for the federal government. Selected candidates will be subject to a background check and favorable suitability determination as a condition of employment. Employees are required to use the Electronic Fund Transfer (EFT) for payroll deposit. 

THE UNITED STATES COURTS ARE EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYERS.