Attorney

📍 Washington, District of Columbia · 🏛 U.S. Courts · 💰 $115,111–$197,200 per year · 🎓 CL 30–31 · 🧭 Attorney (0905) · ⏳ Closes Dec 22, 2026 · 39 days left · 🗓 Posted Sep 22, 2026
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About this job

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

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.

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.

Requirements

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.

Evaluations

Applicants will be evaluated based upon review of their qualifications and the application package.

How to apply

To be considered application packages must include: Cover letter (no more than two pages) describing the knowledge, skills, abilities, and/or experience that qualify the applicant for this position. Résumé outlining educational background, employment history, and other relevant information. Writing sample (limited to 10 pages) that is not a law review article or other work substantially edited by others. List of two professional references, including name, title, and contact information. Completed online AO-78, Federal Judicial Branch Application for Employment. Once your cover letter, résumé, and writing sample (items 1-3) are ready in PDF format, use the link below to submit your files, provide your references (item 4) and complete the online AO-78 (item 5): https://www.ondemandassessment.com/o/JB-OIHZDBF9P/landing?u=1142493 Applicants who require an exception to the online application process may contact Human Resources at [email protected]. Please note: applications submitted directly to this email address will not be reviewed.

Applications are handled only on the official announcement. This page is a readable copy of the public announcement data — the official version controls if anything differs.

Apply on USAJobs (official) ↗

Required documents

Cover letter (no more than two pages) describing the knowledge, skills, abilities, and/or experience that qualify the applicant for this position. Résumé outlining educational background, employment history, and other relevant information. Writing sample (limited to 10 pages) that is not a law review article or other work substantially edited by others. List of two professional references, including name, title, and contact information. Completed online AO-78, Federal Judicial Branch Application for Employment. See 'How to Apply' for instructions.

What to expect next

Applicants selected for an interview will be contacted.

Benefits

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.

Other information

For full posting, please visit: https://www.cafc.uscourts.gov/wp-content/uploads/HR/JobAnnouncements/CAFC-26-19-Attorney.pdf The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Frequently asked questions

How much does this Attorney job pay?

The announcement lists a salary of $115,111–$197,200 per year (CL 30–31).

When is the last day to apply?

Applications close on Dec 22, 2026 — 39 days from today.

Where is this job located?

This position is located in Washington, District of Columbia with the U.S. Courts.

How do I apply?

Applications are submitted through the official announcement on USAJobs. Use the Apply button on this page to go to the official posting — this site never takes applications itself.

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Data: USAJobs (U.S. Office of Personnel Management), retrieved 2026-11-13 · Announcement CAFC-26-19 · Official announcement. FederalJobs is unofficial and is not affiliated with OPM or the agency.
Attorney
Dec 22, 2026 deadlineApply