Motions Attorney

Summary

The Clerk's Office is seeking an individual looking for a challenging, interesting and rewarding public service career in a fast-paced and dynamic environment to serve as a Motions Attorney. The individual selected will be part of the Motions Unit and will report to the Supervisory Motions Attorney. Preference given to applications received by September 29, 2026.

Duties

The Motions Attorney reviews case records and filings, conducts legal research, and provides substantive legal analysis, advice, and assistance on cases pending before the Court. Most of the work to be produced will be written memoranda. The Motions Attorney must be able to convey the results of legal research and make recommendations in a clear, concise, and objective manner as well as be able to draft, proofread, and edit memoranda with accuracy and speed to meet expedited deadlines. The Motions Attorney must have the ability to maintain strict confidentiality and exercise discretion. In addition, the Motions Attorney may be called upon to give legal advice to the Court, Clerk, Chief Deputy Clerk, or other staff members regarding procedural and other issues. The Motions Attorney may be responsible for the operations of the unit in the absence of the Supervisory Motions Attorney. The Motions Attorney occasionally performs special legal projects for the Court, or the Clerk as directed, which may include processing complaints of judicial misconduct or judicial disability as well as attorney discipline matters. The selected candidate will, on occasion, be required to work outside of normal business hours due to emergency filings or other issues. Travel within and outside the Circuit may be required on occasion. Some lifting may be required.

Qualifications

Applicants must possess a Juris Doctor from a law school accredited by the American Bar Association or the Association of American Law Schools. They must also have superior analytical, research, and writing skills and be proficient in computer-assisted research. Excellent communication and strong interpersonal skills are essential. CL 28: Candidates must have a minimum of one year of specialized experience. CL 29: Candidates must have a minimum of two years of specialized experience, and Admission to practice before the highest court of a state, territory, commonwealth, or possession of the United States. SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE: Progressively responsible experience in the practice of law, in legal research and writing, legal administration or equivalent experience, gained after graduation from law school which involved use of specialized and legal terminology; demonstrated ability to analyze problems and assess the practical implications of alternate solutions; demonstrated ability to effectively communicate with others, both orally and in writing. EDUCATIONAL SUBSTITUTIONS: Graduation in the upper third of class from a law school accredited by the American Bar Association or the Association of American Law Schools; or membership on the editorial board of a law review of such a school; or 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, may be credited as one year of specialized experience. PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS: Litigation experience as well as experience working in a court environment, particularly federal court.

Education

Applicants must possess a Juris Doctor from a law school accredited by the American Bar Association or the Association of American Law Schools.

How You Will Be Evaluated

Applicants will also be evaluated based on the application materials submitted.

Required Documents

Cover letter addressed to Cheryl Vessels, Assistant Circuit Executive for Human Resources; Resume and Federal Judicial Branch Application for Employment (AO78) (Application form is available on http://www.uscourts.gov/forms/human-resources-forms/application-judicial-branch-federal-employment); Two most recent performance evaluations or a statement that the evaluations are unavailable; A five-page original writing sample; and Names and contact information for three professional references (please note that by submitting the references, the applicant consents to those references being contacted). See 'How to Apply' for instructions.

How to Apply

Qualified applicants interested in this position must submit a single PDF containing all of the following: Cover letter addressed to Cheryl Vessels, Assistant Circuit Executive for Human Resources; Resume and Federal Judicial Branch Application for Employment (AO78) (Application form is available on http://www.uscourts.gov/forms/human-resources-forms/application-judicial-branch-federal-employment); Two most recent performance evaluations or a statement that the evaluations are unavailable; A five-page original writing sample; and Names and contact information for three professional references (please note that by submitting the references, the applicant consents to those references being contacted). Application packages must be emailed to CO_apply@ca11.uscourts.gov (please include "Motions Attorney" in the subject line). Please note applications that are not submitted as a single PDF or are incomplete may not receive further consideration. Applicants selected for interviews must travel at their own expense if interviews are not held by videoconference. Applicants will not be reimbursed for travel and relocation expenses. The Court provides reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities. The Court reserves the right to modify the conditions of this job announcement, to withdraw the job announcement, or to fill the position at any time, any of which actions may occur without any prior written or other notice. Preference given to applications received by September 29, 2026.

What to Expect Next

An evaluation of your qualifications will be conducted. The most qualified candidates will be referred to the hiring manager for further consideration and possible interview. Due to the volume of applications received, only candidates selected to interview will be contacted.

Additional Information

Judicial Branch employees are "at will" employees and, as such, may be terminated with or without cause. It is the policy of the Court that all new personnel are hired for a twelve-month initial probationary period, at the end of which time their work and progress will be evaluated. All employees are required to adhere to the Code of Conduct for Judicial Employees. THE UNITED STATES COURTS ARE EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYERS

Applicants must possess a Juris Doctor from a law school accredited by the American Bar Association or the Association of American Law Schools. They must also have superior analytical, research, and writing skills and be proficient in computer-assisted research. Excellent communication and strong interpersonal skills are essential. CL 28: Candidates must have a minimum of one year of specialized experience. CL 29: Candidates must have a minimum of two years of specialized experience, and Admission to practice before the highest court of a state, territory, commonwealth, or possession of the United States. SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE: Progressively responsible experience in the practice of law, in legal research and writing, legal administration or equivalent experience, gained after graduation from law school which involved use of specialized and legal terminology; demonstrated ability to analyze problems and assess the practical implications of alternate solutions; demonstrated ability to effectively communicate with others, both orally and in writing. EDUCATIONAL SUBSTITUTIONS: Graduation in the upper third of class from a law school accredited by the American Bar Association or the Association of American Law Schools; or membership on the editorial board of a law review of such a school; or 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, may be credited as one year of specialized experience. PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS: Litigation experience as well as experience working in a court environment, particularly federal court.