Attorney

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.

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.

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.

• 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