Staff Attorney

U.S. Court of Appeals, Ninth Circuit•San Francisco, CA

27d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Office of Staff Attorneys (OSA) is seeking attorneys dedicated to supporting the federal Judiciary’s mission of ensuring equal justice under the law. This role is ideal for individuals with excellent judgment, high personal integrity, who thrive on independent work, are open to feedback, adapt easily to new work assignments and legal developments, and embrace new challenges. OSA serves as the central legal staff for the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit, fostering a collegial environment with subject-area teams focusing on civil, immigration, criminal, or habeas matters. The office values diversity, equity, and inclusion, encouraging applications from all qualified individuals. This is a one-year term position, renewable up to five years based on performance and budget.

Requirements

J.D. from an accredited law school.
At least two (2) years post-J.D. legal work experience consistent with the duties and responsibilities of this position.
Proof of license and authorization to practice as an attorney under the laws of any State, territory of the United States, or the District of Columbia.
Active member of the bar in good standing.
Must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident in the process of applying for citizenship.
Successful applicants are provisionally hired pending results of a background investigation and fingerprinting.

Nice To Haves

Experience or interest in civil, immigration, criminal, or habeas matters.
Ability to adapt easily to new work assignments and legal developments.
Willingness to embrace new challenges in response to court needs.

Responsibilities

Substantive, procedural, and administrative processing of motions and fully briefed cases.
Reviewing parties' filings and the record.
Independently researching legal issues.
Identifying the strongest recommendation(s) for resolving the matter.
Orally presenting recommendations to monthly panels of judges.
Drafting orders and non-precedential decisions.
Effectively managing a docket of cases.
Promptly and accurately performing administrative tasks.
Responding to public inquiries and requests for information.
Processing emergency motions on an expedited basis outside of regular work hours.
Handling a higher volume of assignments, conducting peer review of cases, and working on complex matters with increased experience.