Temporary Attorney Advisor (Jc&D)

$97,483 to $158,458 (CL 29)
San Francisco, CA

Do you possess excellent communication and critical thinking skills? Can you stay cool under pressure? Are you highly motivated and looking to work with a top-notch team? If you are interested in a position that supports the federal judiciary's mission of ensuring equal justice under the law, come join our talented and diverse team at the Office of the Circuit Executive!

This is a temporary position with a term of one year and one day. There is potential for this term to be extended depending on workload and funding.

About the Role

The Attorney Advisor (JC&D) reports to the Assistant Circuit Executive (ACE) for Court Operations, Policy, and Legal Affairs (COPLA). The incumbent will primarily work on Judicial Conduct and Disability (JC&D) complaints and related matters but may also assist the ACE in providing other legal and administrative support to the Chief Circuit Judge, the Circuit Executive, and the Ninth Circuit Judicial Council and its various committees.

Representative Duties

• Research and investigate complaints of judicial misconduct or disability in accordance with 28 U.S.C. 351-364, the JC&D Rules, and the Ninth Circuit's Local Rules for Misconduct Proceedings.
• Process JC&D complaints by reviewing the complaint and underlying court records, prepare memoranda and draft disposition orders, and present such matters to the Chief Circuit Judge for consideration.
• Review Petitions for Review (PFRs) in JC&D matters, prepare memoranda of law, draft orders, and recommend resolution and disposition of PFRs to the Ninth Circuit Judicial Council.
• Assist the Chief Circuit Judge or Special Committee in JC&D related matters as necessary, including interviewing witnesses, summarizing witness interviews, drafting memoranda, coordinating the investigation, etc.
• Perform other legal, policy, and administrative support to the COPLA Unit as necessary.

Required Qualifications

• Juris Doctor degree from an ABA-accredited law school.
• Admission to practice before the highest court of any State, Territory, Commonwealth, or possession of the United States.
• At least three years of experience in legal research and writing, policy, court procedure, court rule analysis, or a related area. This experience must demonstrate the ability to gather, research, organize and analyze data/information, and prepare concise, readable reports, memoranda, and proposed orders. Previous state or federal court employment or internship experience is preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to handle highly confidential information and to maintain strict confidentiality.
• Advanced skills in:
  • Conducting legal research and writing.
  • Presenting legal recommendations to judges, both orally and in writing.
  • Drafting clear, concise memoranda and proposed orders.
  • Accurately performing complex legal work and factual investigation with minimal supervision.
  • Consistently demonstrating sound ethics and judgment.

About the Office

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

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 judicial court units within 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 Judicial Council's core functions.

The OCE is committed to providing professional support to the Judicial Council and all court units within 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, providing public information and human resources support, coordinating building and IT projects, and advising the Judicial Council on procedural and ethical matters.

Position Details

Location: this position is based at the James R. Browning United States Courthouse at Mission and 7th Streets in San Francisco, California. Remote work options (telework) may be available.

Rewards & Perks

Salary: $97,483 158,458 (CL 29), depending on qualifications and experience.

Time off: 11 paid holidays, 13 vacation days, and 13 sick leave days per year. After three years (including any prior federal work experience), 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.
• Public transit subsidy.
• On-site gym (in Browning Courthouse).
• Remote/Telework/Work-From-Home options may be available.

How to Apply

Please submit a single PDF through the Career Portal that includes:

(1) a cover letter directly responding to this vacancy announcement,

(2) an up-to-date resume, and

(3) a list of three work references.

Only applications with a cover letter, resume, and references will be considered.

Next Steps

• Priority consideration given to applicants who apply by November 3, 2023.
• 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 OCE. Employees are required to adhere to the Code of Conduct for Judicial Employees. Direct deposit of pay is required. The Court requires all its employees to be vaccinated against COVID 19 absent an exemption from the requirement based on a documented medical reason or a sincerely held religious belief.

The OCE 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.

Equity Focused Employer

We value diversity and are committed to equity and inclusion in our workplace. The OCE encourages applications from all qualified individuals and seeks a diverse pool of applicants in terms of race, ethnicity, national origin, sex, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, age, languages spoken, veteran's status, disability, religion, and socio-economic circumstance.