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

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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.

Requirements

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Conditions of employment

Only those applicants selected for an interview will be contacted. For in-person interviews, candidates must travel at their own expense. The court reserves the right to modify the conditions of this announcement, commence interviews immediately, withdraw the announcement, or fill the position at any time, any of which actions may occur without notice.

The position will report to downtown Washington, DC; limited telework may be available on an ad hoc basis and/or according to agency policy. Employees of the United States Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit are excepted service, at-will appointees. Federal civil service classifications or regulations do not apply. All offers of employment are provisional pending successful completion of a background check or investigation and a favorable employment suitability determination. This position is subject to Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) for payroll deposit.

Applicants must be a U.S. citizen or otherwise eligible to work in the United States. Non-citizens may be interviewed and considered but will receive employment offers only if they qualify under an exception in 8 U.S.C.§ 1324b(a)(3)(B). Under that provision, a lawful permanent resident seeking citizenship may not apply until having held permanent resident status for at least five years (three years if seeking naturalization as the spouse of a U.S. citizen); once eligible, the individual must apply for citizenship within six months and complete the process within two years of applying (absent delays caused by application processors). Non-citizens who have not held permanent resident status for five years must execute an affidavit affirming their intent to apply for citizenship once eligible.

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.

Additional information

For full posting, please visit: https://www.cafc.uscourts.gov/wp-content/uploads/HR/JobAnnouncements/CAFC-26-19-Attorney.pdf

Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.

Benefits

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The candidate selected for this position will be eligible for a generous federal employee benefits package, including:

• Paid vacation and sick leave, paid parental leave, and 11 paid federal holidays per year.
• Optional participation in Federal Employees Health Benefits (health, dental and vision), Federal Employees Group Life Insurance, and the Flexible Benefits Program.
• Public transportation subsidy, on-site fitness center, Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
• Participation in the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS). Optional participation in Thrift Savings Plan (up to 5% employer matched contributions).
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness program pursuant to the terms of the (PSLF) program.

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