Careers.org

U.S. Courts

Attorney

Judicial Branch · Washington, District of Columbia

Salary
$115,111 - $197,200 per year
Pay grade
CL-30 to 31
Schedule
Full-time
Appointment
Permanent
Opened
Sep 22, 2026
Closes
Dec 22, 2026
Remote
No
Telework eligible
Yes
Openings
1
Security clearance
Other
Promotion potential
31
Announcement
CAFC-26-19

Who may apply: Open to the public

Apply on USAJOBS

Applications are submitted on USAJOBS.gov, not on Careers.org. Always confirm details in the official announcement.

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

  • 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.

Job data from USAJOBS.gov. Careers.org is not affiliated with or endorsed by OPM. Retrieved Nov 4, 2026, 9:03 AM EST.