$89,018 TO $144,689 (CL 29)

SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA

Are you interested in a position that supports the federal Judiciary's mission of ensuring equal justice under the law?  The Office of Circuit Executive for the Ninth Circuit is seeking a talented Research Attorney to join our team.  The Research Attorney will report to the Chief Legal Counsel and provide legal and administrative support on the behalf of the Office of Circuit Executive.

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.

REPRESENTATIVE DUTIES

• Conducts research and investigates complaints of judicial misconduct in accordance with 28 U.S.C. §§ 351-364.  Prepares draft disposition orders for the Chief Judge.
• Assists in researching and providing guidance to judges and judicial employees on issues of ethics and court administration.
• Provides staff support to Jury Instructions Committee, which includes, among other things, organizing agenda and supporting material, making presentations on policy issues, assisting with the coordination of meetings, preparing agendas, serving as meeting secretary, preparing materials, and taking and distributing meeting minutes.
• Administers and assists in planning the agendas of educational meetings and training programs to implement judicial council policies.
• Processes all teaching requests from judges within the circuit for the Chief Judge's approval.
• Monitors bi-annual conflict screening by all courts in the Circuit.
• Tracks legislation affecting the courts.
• Prepares legal documents and executive correspondence for review and signature by the Circuit Executive or designee.  Composes non-routine documents that require substantial legal research and analysis.  Reviews legal documents submitted to the court for completeness and accuracy.  Proofreads documents and checks citations before submission to executives.
• Drafts documents, procedural manuals, and correspondence.  Participates in and provides follow-up on significant special projects, making recommendations, as appropriate.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Graduation with a Juris Doctor (JD) degree (or equivalent) from a law school that has been accredited by a recognized accrediting authority, and admission to practice before the highest court of a State, Territory, Commonwealth, or possession of the United States.
• At least three (3) years of experience in policy, court procedure, and court rule analysis, or a closely related area.  This experience must demonstrate the ability to gather, research, organize and analyze data/information and to prepare concise, readable reports.  Previous state or federal court employment or internship experience helpful.
• Advance ability to :

                  o Work with committees effectively, planning and scheduling work according to committee deadlines.  Communicate effectively with judges, managers,                           executives, Administrative Office personnel, the bar, the public, and court staff.

                  o Plan, manage, and coordinate meetings and programs.

                  o Request and/or explain program information.

                  o Synthesizing the results off legal research and conveying those results (orally and in writing) in a clear and concise manner.

                  o Accurately performing complex work with minimal supervision.

                  o Consistently demonstrate sound ethics and judgment.

TOTAL REWARDS AND WORK-LIFE BALANCE

Salary*: Depending on qualifications and experience, $89,018 to $144,689 (CL 29) 

Time off: 13 days of paid vacation for the first three years, increasing with tenure thereafter,

13 sick days accrued per year, 10 paid holidays.

Benefits: Employer subsidized health and life insurance plans. Dental, vision, flexible spending account, and long-term care plans available. Employer sponsored pension plan and supplemental retirement contribution plans with employer match.

Other Perks: Mass transit subsidy, eligibility for Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program, reasonable work hours, team environment, creative people, and enhanced vacation accrual-based tenure.

HOW TO APPLY

Please submit a PDF application packet through the Career Portal that includes: 1) cover letter detailing your qualifications and experience performing the representative duties, and 2) current resume.

Applicants selected for interviews must travel at their own expense and relocation expenses will not be reimbursed.

NEXT STEPS

PRIORITY GIVEN TO APPLICATIONS RECEIVED BY MARCH 27, 2020.

More than one candidate may be selected from this recruitment.

VIDEO CONFERENCE INTERVIEWS AVAILABLE.

POSITION OPEN UNTIL FILLED.

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

• Must be a U.S. citizen or a permanent resident in the process of applying for citizenship.

• Positions with the U.S. Courts are excepted service appointments. Excepted service appointments are “at will” and can be terminated with or without cause by the Court.

• Employees will be hired provisionally pending the results of a background investigation and fingerprinting.

• Employees are required to adhere to the Code of Conduct for Judicial Employees.

• Direct deposit of pay required.

• Travel throughout the Ninth Circuit is 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