Attorney

Summary

The position of attorney in the Office of General Counsel (OGC) is a unique opportunity to serve the court as a whole. OGC directly assists judges with motions and mandamus petitions and works across a broad spectrum of matters-from pro se cases to complex patent litigation. OGC attorneys draft memos and orders, discuss cases with judges, and advise on appropriate case disposition. OGC attorneys also have opportunities for civic engagement with students through the Center for Innovation & Law.

Duties

The Office of General Counsel (OGC) directly assists judges with motions and mandamus petitions and works across a broad spectrum of matters-from pro se cases to complex patent litigation. OGC attorneys draft memos and orders, discuss cases with judges, and advise on appropriate case disposition. OGC attorneys also have opportunities for civic engagement with students through the Center for Innovation & Law.

Qualifications

Specialized Experience CL 30: A minimum of three (3) years of progressively responsible experience as a lawyer (in a court, law firm, federal government agency, or similar setting) that has provided the knowledge, skills, and abilities needed to perform this role. This experience must include at least one year at the CL-29 level or its equivalent. Federal court experience is preferred. CL 31: A minimum of four (4) years of progressively responsible experience as a lawyer (in a court, law firm, federal government agency, or similar setting) that has provided the knowledge, skills, and abilities needed to perform this role. This experience must include at least one year at the CL-30 level or its equivalent. Appointment at the CL 31 level also requires an undergraduate degree in science or engineering. Federal court experience is preferred. Competencies/Qualifications Ability to independently research and analyze complex legal and record-specific issues Strong oral communication, writing, and editing skills Strong attention to detail and the ability to work efficiently under tight deadlines Federal clerkship experience highly desired Patent litigation experience and science background preferred but not required

Education

Candidates must, at minimum, possess a Juris Doctor (JD) degree from an ABA-accredited law school and be an active member of the bar of a state, territory, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, or a federal court of general jurisdiction.

How You Will Be Evaluated

Applicants will be evaluated based upon review of their qualifications and the application package.

Required Documents

Cover letter (no more than two pages) describing the knowledge, skills, abilities, and/or experience that qualify the applicant for this position. Résumé outlining educational background, employment history, and other relevant information. Writing sample (limited to 10 pages) that is not a law review article or other work substantially edited by others. List of two professional references, including name, title, and contact information. Completed online AO-78, Federal Judicial Branch Application for Employment. See 'How to Apply' for instructions.

How to Apply

To be considered application packages must include: Cover letter (no more than two pages) describing the knowledge, skills, abilities, and/or experience that qualify the applicant for this position. Résumé outlining educational background, employment history, and other relevant information. Writing sample (limited to 10 pages) that is not a law review article or other work substantially edited by others. List of two professional references, including name, title, and contact information. Completed online AO-78, Federal Judicial Branch Application for Employment. Once your cover letter, résumé, and writing sample (items 1-3) are ready in PDF format, use the link below to submit your files, provide your references (item 4) and complete the online AO-78 (item 5): https://www.ondemandassessment.com/o/JB-OIHZDBF9P/landing?u=1142493 Applicants who require an exception to the online application process may contact Human Resources at hr@cafc.uscourts.gov. Please note: applications submitted directly to this email address will not be reviewed.

What to Expect Next

Applicants selected for an interview will be contacted.

Additional Information

For full posting, please visit: https://www.cafc.uscourts.gov/wp-content/uploads/HR/JobAnnouncements/CAFC-26-19-Attorney.pdf The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Specialized Experience CL 30: A minimum of three (3) years of progressively responsible experience as a lawyer (in a court, law firm, federal government agency, or similar setting) that has provided the knowledge, skills, and abilities needed to perform this role. This experience must include at least one year at the CL-29 level or its equivalent. Federal court experience is preferred. CL 31: A minimum of four (4) years of progressively responsible experience as a lawyer (in a court, law firm, federal government agency, or similar setting) that has provided the knowledge, skills, and abilities needed to perform this role. This experience must include at least one year at the CL-30 level or its equivalent. Appointment at the CL 31 level also requires an undergraduate degree in science or engineering. Federal court experience is preferred. Competencies/Qualifications Ability to independently research and analyze complex legal and record-specific issues Strong oral communication, writing, and editing skills Strong attention to detail and the ability to work efficiently under tight deadlines Federal clerkship experience highly desired Patent litigation experience and science background preferred but not required