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Job Details for Attorney Advisor

Court Name/Organization Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals
Overview of the Position The Attorney Advisor provides prompt and accurate advice to court personnel regarding cases pending before the court and on other court-related issues. The Attorney Advisor conducts legal research and reviews case records and filings, acts on certain motions within the delegated authority of the Clerk’s Office, screens appeals for jurisdictional and procedural issues and oral argument, works on special projects related to the operations of the Clerk’s Office, and provides information to litigants and attorneys.
Location St. Louis, MO
Opening and Closing Dates 06/04/2026 - Open Until Filled
Appointment Type Permanent
Classification Level/Grade CL 28
Salary $73,400 - $119,347
Link to Job Announcement

Position Description

The U.S. Court of Appeals is located at the Thomas F. Eagleton Courthouse in St. Louis, Missouri, with a divisional office in St. Paul, Minnesota, having a territorial jurisdiction including the states of Missouri, Arkansas, Iowa, Minnesota, Nebraska, North Dakota, and South Dakota. The Eighth Circuit has 11 authorized judgeships, 1 senior judge, and employs approximately 33 Clerk’s office staff members.

The Attorney Advisor provides prompt and accurate advice to court personnel regarding cases pending before the court and on other court-related issues. The Attorney Advisor conducts legal research and reviews case records and filings, acts on certain motions within the delegated authority of the Clerk’s Office, screens appeals for jurisdictional and procedural issues and oral argument, works on special projects related to the operations of the Clerk’s Office, and provides information to litigants and attorneys.

The position is in the Clerk’s office of the US Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit in St. Louis, Missouri. Occasional telework is permitted. More than one position may be filled from this announcement. Work is performed in an office setting.

Representative Duties:

  • Screens cases for jurisdictional and other procedural issues and oral argument.
  • Serves as a legal resource for Clerk’s office staff.
  • Works on special projects as assigned, especially those related to Clerk’s Office operations.
  • Acts on certain motions within the delegated authority of the Clerk’s Office; refers other motions to other Clerk’s office staff, the Staff Attorneys’ office, or chambers as appropriate.
  • Provides procedural information to pro se litigants or counsel by responding to telephone inquiries and replying to correspondence.
  • Other duties as assigned.

Conditions of Employment:

  • Applicants must be a US citizen or a lawful permanent resident of the United States currently seeking citizenship or intending to become a citizen immediately following meeting eligibility.
  • Selected applicants are hired provisionally pending results of fingerprinting and a background check.
  • Direct deposit of pay is required.
  • Positions with the US Courts are “excepted service” positions and employees serve “at will.”
  • Employees are subject to and must comply with The Code of Conduct for Judicial Employees.
  • No relocation expenses are permitted.
  • All applicant information is subject to verification. Providing false and/or misleading information may be grounds for removal from the application and selection process, as well as disciplinary action if discovered after hire.

Qualifications

  • A Juris Doctor from an accredited law school.
  • Admission to practice before the highest court of a State, Territory, Commonwealth, or federal court of general jurisdiction of the United States.
  • At least 2 years’ legal experience after law school.  Time spent as a law clerk will be regarded as relevant experience.
  • Excellent written and oral communication skills; strong interpersonal and analytical skills, and proficiency in the use of technology.
  • The ability to analyze complex legal questions and provide proposed solutions.
  • The ability to work quickly and accurately and prioritize among competing demands.
  • Knowledge of and compliance with the Code of Conduct for Judicial Employees and court confidentiality requirements.
  • Ability to demonstrate sound ethics and judgment.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Thorough knowledge of the appellate process and the Federal Rules of Appellate Procedure.
  • Prior experience as a federal law clerk or staff attorney, or employment as an attorney for a state appellate court.

Specialized Experience

 

Employee Benefits

  • Vacation time accrues at the rate of 13 days per year for the first 3 years, increasing to 20 days after 3 years and 26 days after 15 years.
  • Sick time accrues at a rate of 13 days per year.
  • 11 paid holidays per year.
  • Choice of employer-subsidized federal health plans and optional employer-subsidized Federal Employees Group Life Insurance.
  • Vision and Dental insurance programs are available.
  • Flexible Spending Programs – pre-tax contributions for out-of-pocket health, dependent care, and transportation expenses.
  • Eligibility for Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF).
  • Public transportation or parking subsidy (dependent on fiscal year funding).
  • Federal retirement includes an employer-sponsored pension plan (FERS) and a retirement contribution plan with employer match (TSP). Retirees are eligible for Social Security and carry health insurance plans into retirement while paying the same premiums as employees.
  • Creditable service with other federal agencies and/or the military will be used to compute employee benefits.

Amenities:

  • Onsite fitness center and cafeteria.
  • Onsite, free health clinic is staffed with a nurse and M.D.
  • 24-hour building security.
  • Work/Life:
  • Generous time off – paid Annual leave (vacation), Sick leave, and holidays.
  • Occasional teleworking may be allowed after the initial training period.
  • Nationwide leave sharing program.

Application Info

Submit a completed Form AO-78 Federal Judicial Branch Application for Employment, a detailed resume, and a cover letter through the job announcement. All three documents are required. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

The federal Judiciary is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer.