Job Details for Court Attorney (Legal Division)
| Court Name/Organization | Third Circuit Court of Appeals |
| Overview of the Position | The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit invites applications from qualified individuals for the position of Court Attorney. This position is in the Legal Division and reports to an experienced Court Attorney. The incumbent provides legal guidance and direction for the procedural management of the Legal Division’s caseload (primarily pro se) and assists in the management of these cases in accordance with internal controls, procedures, and rules, to ensure their timely and procedurally accurate progression. The Legal Division supports the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit, which includes Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. |
| Location | Philadelphia, PA |
| Opening and Closing Dates | 05/22/2025 - Open Until Filled |
| Appointment Type | Permanent |
| Classification Level/Grade | CL 27 - CL 28 |
| Salary | $65,159 - $126,995 |
| Announcement Number | 25-01 |
| Link to Job Announcement | |
Position Description
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
- Drafts procedural orders which facilitate case management.
- Conducts the initial screening of cases.
- Responds to inquiries from Legal Division staff and judges.
- Reviews filings for compliance and provides direction to administrative/case management staff.
- Conducts legal research and drafts memoranda to the court on legal issues, including in forma pauperis motions and other fees-related issues, appellate jurisdiction, and original jurisdiction actions.
- Assists in submitting LD work product to the court.
- Assists in maintaining the LD’s case management manuals.
- Assists in other administrative tasks, such as timekeeping.
- Assists in quality assurance.
Qualifications
Applicant must possess a Juris Doctor from a law school of recognized standing and have excellent academic credentials. Up to two years of progressively responsible specialized experience in the practice of law, legal research, legal administration, or equivalent experience, gained after graduation from law school, is required. A successful candidate must possess the following skills and abilities: knowledge of appellate practice and procedure; ability to analyze difficult legal questions and provide proposed solutions; strong written and oral communication skills; the ability to work quickly and accurately, and to prioritize among competing demands.
Employee Benefits
Federal benefits include paid vacation based on years of service, paid holidays, paid sick leave, health and life insurance plans, Federal Employees Retirement System, and Thrift Savings Plan (similar to 401K plan).
Miscellaneous
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
- Drafts procedural orders which facilitate case management.
- Conducts the initial screening of cases.
- Responds to inquiries from Legal Division staff and judges.
- Reviews filings for compliance and provides direction to administrative/case management staff.
- Conducts legal research and drafts memoranda to the court on legal issues, including in forma pauperis motions and other fees-related issues, appellate jurisdiction, and original jurisdiction actions.
- Assists in submitting LD work product to the court.
- Assists in maintaining the LD’s case management manuals.
- Assists in other administrative tasks, such as timekeeping.
- Assists in quality assurance.
Application Info
The following documents are required: (1) cover letter, (2) resumé, (3) law school transcript; (4) list of three professional references with current contact information, (5) self-edited writing sample that demonstrates analytical ability, and (6) completed and signed AO-78, Application for Judicial Branch Federal Employment. These documents must be submitted online in a single PDF document. Applicants should indicate their earliest availability to the start the position.
The federal Judiciary is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer.