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Job Details for Counsel to the Circuit Executive

Court Name/Organization Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals
Overview of the Position As the Counsel to the Circuit Executive, you will serve as a strategic legal partner, providing high-level counsel to the Circuit Executive, senior leadership, and the Chief Circuit Judge. This role is designed for a mission-driven attorney who thrives on complexity; you will spearhead critical initiatives, shape submissions for the Court of Appeals and Judicial Council and navigate the intersection of law and judicial policy. We offer a sophisticated professional environment where your work directly impacts the administration of justice, supported by a culture that prioritizes work-life balance and comprehensive federal benefits. We are seeking an elite legal mind with exceptional research skills and the poise to manage high-priority assignments under tight deadlines. The ideal candidate pairs unquestioned integrity with a sharp analytical lens and the communication skills necessary to brief top-tier judicial leaders. If you are a disciplined, collaborative professional looking to apply your legal expertise to the vital infrastructure of the courts, we want to hear from you.
Location Remote, Anywhere in the U.S.
Opening and Closing Dates 06/02/2026 - 06/29/2026
Appointment Type Permanent
Classification Level/Grade CL 30 - CL 31
Salary $50,302 - $96,181
Link to Court Careers Information https://www.ca4.uscourts.gov/
Announcement Number CCE-2026
Link to Job Announcement

Position Description

  • Location: Nationwide
  • Appointment: Career / Part-time (20 hours per week). Anticipated start date is December 2026.
  • Schedule: Flexible

Your Impact: Key Responsibilities
As a central figure in judicial administration, your day-to-day work will bridge the gap between complex legal theory and operational excellence. You will:

  • Provide Strategic Counsel: Serve as the go-to authority on diverse legal administrative matters, offering clear direction that keeps the office and leadership moving forward
  • Drive Court Initiatives: Lead high-level committees and circuit-wide projects, ensuring that institutional goals are met with precision and collaboration
  • Act as a Subject Matter Expert: Master the intricate rules and procedures governing the court, providing the authoritative insight necessary for compliance and efficiency
  • Deliver High-Stakes Analysis: Conduct deep-dive research and produce sophisticated written-work from formal reports to court submissions – that shape the future of the Fourth Circuit
  • Lead Special Projects: Take the helm of high-priority assignments and evolving challenges, acting as a versatile problem-solver for the Court and the Circuit Executive

Qualifications

Required Qualifications:

  • A JD from a law school that has been accredited by a recognized accrediting authority and admitted to practice before the highest court of a state, territory, commonwealth, or federal court of general jurisdiction of the United States
  • CL-30: Three years, or CL-31: four years of full-time specialized legal experience gained after graduation from law school
  • Ability to independently interpret and apply federal statutes, plans, guidelines, policies, and procedures, and to effectively advise and provide recommendations to the Circuit Executive and other court staff, as appropriate
  • Excellent oral and written communication skills to include preparing, editing, and proofreading memoranda, reports, and other documents
  • Demonstrated professionalism, courtesy, diplomacy, and tact in all interactions
  • Meticulous attention to detail; strong adherence to procedural requirements; sound judgment; unquestioned integrity; and the ability to handle sensitive information while maintaining strict confidentiality
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, including Word, Excel, Outlook, and Teams
  • Ability to prioritize workload and effectively manage multiple time-sensitive projects

Preferred Qualifications

  • Demonstrated interest in legal administrative matters
  • Familiarity with the federal courts and the regulations and policies of the judicial branch of the federal government

Employee Benefits

Recharge. Protect your future. Do work that matters.

We believe meaningful work should come with meaningful support.

  • Generous PTO
    • Vacation, sick leave, and federal holidays
  • Comprehensive Health Coverage
    • Subsidized medical and life insurance, optional dental and vision plans, and the option to carry health coverage into retirement
  • Retirement Support & Financial Wellness
    • Employer-backed retirement plan plus Thrift Savings Plan with matching contributions
    • Flexible spending accounts for healthcare, dependent care, and commuting expenses
  • Support for Life Milestones
    • Paid parental leave to support growing families
  • Student Loan Forgiveness
    • Qualifies under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program

Pay Ranges:

  • $50,302 - $81,767 (CL-30), or
  • $59,167 - $96,181 (CL-31)

Placement within the range is based on experience. Pay range is based on the Rest of the US pay table and could be higher based on your location. Pay tables are available at Court Pay Rates.

For additional information, see the U.S. Courts website.

Miscellaneous

Conditions of Employment
Must be a citizen of the United States or meet requirements for compensation under current law. Positions with the U.S. Courts are excepted service appointments, meaning they are at will and can be terminated with or without cause by the Court. Employees are subject to The Judicial Code of Ethics and Conduct, which is available to applicants for review upon request. All applicant information is subject to verification. Appointment to the position is provisional pending a suitability determination by the Court based on the results of a background investigation, which includes fingerprinting. Employees are required to use Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) for payroll deposits.

The Court reserves the right to modify the conditions of this job and/or announcement, to withdraw the announcement, or to fill the position sooner than the closing date, if a closing date is shown; any of these actions may occur without notice.

Phone: 804-916-2184

Where integrity, collaboration, collegiality, & exceptional customer service are our values.

Application Info

Email the following in a single PDF document to Human Resources at vacancy@ca4.uscourts.gov:

  1. Cover letter highlighting your experience and what draws you to this role
  2. Resume that includes the name, title, and the contact information of three professional references
  3. Judicial Branch Application: AO78-Application for Employment

Please include the title of the position in the subject line of the email, and please note in the cover letter where you saw the announcement. Receipt of applications will be acknowledged.

Interviews may be held in person in Richmond, VA. Reimbursement for interview-related travel expenses or any relocation costs incurred by the successful applicant is not provided.

The federal Judiciary is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer.