$89,018 – $144,689 (CL 29) *

San Francisco, CA, or an alternative duty station within the Ninth Circuit.

• Actual salary based upon qualifications, experience, and duty station.

ABOUT THE OFFICE

The Office of the Circuit Executive (OCE) serves the Ninth Judicial Circuit of the United States Courts. It is the largest federal circuit in the country, comprising nine western states and two territories. The Office serves the Court of Appeals as well as the District Courts, Bankruptcy Courts, Probation and Pretrial Offices, and Federal Public Defenders.

The OCE was created by statute to provide professional administrative staffing to circuit councils, which are composed primarily of judges engaged full-time in deciding cases. The OCE provides administrative support to the Judicial Council of the Ninth Circuit and its various committees. It also provides direct services to all the judicial court units in the Circuit. All OCE responsibilities flow from directives of the Judicial Council or the Chief Judge of the Ninth Circuit. The OCE is organized around the Council's core functions.

The OCE is committed to providing professional support to the Judicial Council and courts of the Ninth Circuit and ensuring the highest level of public trust in the administration of justice. This support includes identifying needs, conducting studies, proactively developing and implementing innovative policies, providing training, public information and human resources support, coordinating building and IT projects, and advising the Council on procedural and ethical matters.

ABOUT THE ROLE

The CJA Administrative Attorney is part of the Ninth Circuit's Criminal Justice Act (CJA) Unit, which is led by the CJA Supervising Attorney and includes two Case Managing Attorneys, a CJA analyst, and a CJA specialist. The primary focus of the CJA Administrative Attorney's job is to conduct reasonableness review of compensation claims or advance-authorization requests exceeding the statutory maximum that are submitted by attorneys appointed under the CJA to represent financially eligible criminal defendants. The incumbent will also interact with judges, attorneys, and staff as needed on CJA matters and assist with policy development and training.

Representative duties include:

• Review and analyze CJA payment vouchers and funding requests for compliance with national and circuit guidelines and policies, corresponding with district court or federal defender personnel as needed.
• Respond to inquiries from throughout the Ninth Circuit on voucher review issues and processes.
• Conduct research, assist in the development of CJA policies, and provide procedural and substantive advice on CJA policy matters.
• Prepare statistical and other reports.
• Develop and facilitate presentations for judges, attorneys, or court staff.
• Other duties and projects as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Juris Doctor (JD) degree (or equivalent) from an accredited law school.
• Membership in good standing in the bar of a state, territory, commonwealth, or federal court of general jurisdiction.
• A minimum of four years of experience in criminal defense representation.
• Thorough understanding of the Criminal Justice Act, criminal law and procedure, and criminal litigation strategies.
• Commitment to high-quality CJA representation and the right to counsel.
• Exceptional organization, time management, and logic skills, and proven ability to prioritize multiple demands, meet established deadlines, and fulfill commitments.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills, and the ability to use tact and diplomacy.
• Ability to handle sensitive information and maintain strict confidentiality.
• Proficiency with MS Office products, including Word, Excel, SharePoint, and Teams.
• Experience with eVoucher and attorney billing practices.

REWARDS & PERKS

Salary: $89,018 – $144,689 (CL 29), depending on qualifications, experience, and duty station. 

Time off: 10 paid holidays, 13 vacation days, and 13 sick leave days per year. After three years, vacation days accrue at a higher rate.

Benefits:

• Federal pension plan and optional employer-matching Thrift Savings Plan (similar to a 401K).
• Choice of a variety of employer-subsidized federal health and life insurance plans. Optional dental, vision, and long-term care coverage.
• Flexible spending account to pay out-of-pocket health and dependent care expenses with tax-free dollars.

Other Perks: Telework opportunities; eligibility for Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program, public transit subsidy; alternate work schedules; reasonable work hours; on-site gym and café.

HOW TO APPLY

Please submit a single PDF through the Career Portal that includes: (1) a cover letter directly addressing this position, and (2) an up-to-date resume. Only applications with a cover letter and resume will be considered.

NEXT STEPS

• Priority given to applications received by April 7, 2020.
• Tentative interview dates: April 13-17, 2020. [Video conference interviews available]
• Position open until filled.

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

Must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident in the process of applying for citizenship. Successful applicants are provisionally hired pending results of background investigation and fingerprinting. Positions with the U.S. Courts are at-will, excepted service appointments, and may be terminated with or without cause by the Court. Employees are required to adhere to the Code of Conduct for Judicial Employees. Direct deposit of pay required.

The Court reserves the right to modify the conditions of this job announcement, or to withdraw the announcement, for any reason including, but not limited to, budgetary issues. Said modifications may occur without prior written or other notice.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER