Overview of Duties

The United States Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit seeks a highly qualified attorney to join the Motions Unit of the Staff Attorneys' Office—a team of four attorneys and a paralegal that supports the court as part of its central legal staff.

Position Summary

Motions Attorneys provide the court with procedural and substantive legal advice regarding cases.  The major responsibilities and duties of this position include:

• Reviewing all counseled civil cases for jurisdiction and providing chambers with memoranda and proposed orders to show cause regarding jurisdictional defects.
• Reviewing motions, petitions for mandamus, and emergency applications for submission to the court; occasional evening/weekend hours might be required.
• Conducting legal research and analysis on issues bearing on the disposition of the application or motion; preparing memoranda; and presenting recommended dispositions, orally and in writing, for the judges' consideration.
• Drafting orders for the judges' consideration and signature.
• Conducting research and preparing memoranda on general legal questions from judges and court staff.  Responding to inquiries regarding motions practice, the Federal Rules of Appellate Procedure, and local rules. 
• Providing legal analysis, advice, and assistance to the court, Clerk of Court, and Clerk's Office staff regarding procedural matters.
• Assisting the Clerk's Office in resolving case management issues related to pro se cases.  Assisting supervisory staff in complex case management decisions.
• Remaining current with developments in the law of the circuit and the district court, as well as with evolving legislation. 
• Occasional courtroom duties when court is in session.

Qualifications

• Required: :  A Juris Doctor degree from an accredited law school.  Superior legal research, analytical, writing, and editing skills.  Ability to organize and synthesize information and to manage time effectively, set priorities, and meet tight deadlines.  Strong interpersonal skills, the ability to work in a team environment, and the ability and desire to interact with both chambers and court staff on a daily basis. 

• Preferred: At least two to three years of federal court legal staff experience and/or judicial law clerk experience.  Alternatively, progressively responsible experience in the practice of law, involving substantial legal research and writing.

Total Rewards & Work/Life Balance

• Compensation*:  $96,943 - $107,720 (CL 29), $101,825 - $127,293 (CL 30)  (*Salary commensurate with qualifications)

• Benefits: Employer subsidized health and life insurance plans. Dental and vision insurance plans. Flexible spending accounts for health care, dependent care, and commuter expenses. Eligibility for Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program and mass transit subsidies. On-site fitness center. Federal retirement entails a pension plan (FERS-FRAE) and employer-matching Thrift Savings Plan (similar to a 401K). Retirees may carry insurance plans into retirement while paying the same premiums as employees. Visit www.uscourts.gov/careers/benef... to learn more about the Judiciary's competitive benefits.

• Work/Life: Annual time off - 13 vacation days, 13 sick leave days, and 11 paid holidays. Vacation days increase to 20 days after three years and to 26 days after fifteen years. Hybrid telework schedule may be available.

Conditions of Employment

The selected candidate is provisionally hired pending results of background check and fingerprinting.  Employees are required to adhere to the Judicial Code of Conduct for Judicial Employees. For citizenship requirements, visit www.uscourts.gov/careers. Electronic Fund Transfer for payroll direct deposit is required. Positions with the U.S. Courts are at-will, excepted service appointments, and may be terminated with or without cause by the Court.  The Court reserves the right to modify the conditions of this announcement, or to withdraw the announcement for any reason without notice.

How to Apply

Please submit a single PDF application packet, including (1) a cover letter addressing your qualifications and experience in relation to the job duties and how you learned of the position, (2) a sample of your self-edited legal writing, and (3) a current resume, to the Director of Human Resources via the Resume button. Position is open until filled; preference given to applications received by October 4, 2024.

Interviews may be scheduled on a rolling basis and take place prior to the ‘received by' date listed above.  Virtual interviews are available.

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The Court of Appeals values diversity and is committed to inclusion in the workplace. We encourage applications from all qualified individuals and seek a diverse pool of applicants. If a reasonable accommodation is needed during the recruitment process, please contact Human Resources at 513-564-7205.