Counsel to the Circuit Executive

The Counsel to the Circuit Executive (Announcement #: 2025-CCE) serves as the chief legal advisor to the Circuit Executive and senior leaders. The incumbent is responsible for providing advice and guidance, preparing and reviewing submissions to the Court of Appeals and Judicial Council, and staffing various initiatives and committees. The incumbent also works with the chief circuit judge on a variety of high-priority assignments.

• Location: Telework opportunity within the States of the Fourth Circuit.
  
• Appointment: Part-time (20 hours per week).
  
• Schedule: Flexible.
  

WHAT WE SEEK

The ideal candidate is an attorney with exceptional research, analytical, and decision-making skills; a strong interest in legal administrative matters, excellent oral and written communication skills, an outstanding work ethic, unquestioned integrity, and the ability to manage multiple priorities within strict deadlines in a fast-paced environment.

WHAT WE OFFER

Work/life balance, great benefits, and the opportunity to contribute to the administration of justice in this critically important area.

OVERVIEW OF DUTIES

• Provides guidance and direction on various legal-related administrative matters.
  
• Staffs office and circuit-wide initiatives and committees.
  
• Serves as an expert on the rules and procedures that impact the court.
  
• Conducts research, performs analysis, and prepares written materials in matters affecting the office, court, and Fourth Circuit.
  
• Manages special projects and assignments as necessary or requested.
  

QUALIFICATIONS

Required

• 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 (3) years, or CL-31: four (4) 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 make recommendations as appropriate 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.
  
• Demonstrates the highest degree of professionalism, courtesy, diplomacy, and tact to everyone.
  
• Meticulous attention to detail, adherence to procedural requirements, sound judgment, unquestioned integrity as well as ability to handle sensitive information and maintain strict confidentiality.
  
• Proficiency with MS Office products, including Word, Excel, Outlook, and Teams.
  
• Ability to prioritize workload and effectively manage multiple and time-sensitive projects.
  

Preferred

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

HOW TO APPLY

Please see the full announcement at www.ca4.uscourts.gov. Email the following in a single PDF document to Human Resources at

vacancy@ca4.uscourts.gov.

(1)

Cover Letter detailing qualifications and experience.

(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.

Closing date: 08/19/2025.

PAY RANGES

Pay ranges are based on the

Rest of the US pay table and could be higher based on the location of the duty station.

• $49,805 - $80,955 (CL-30), or
  
• $58,589 - $95,217 (CL-31)
  

Pay range is annualized based on 20 hours per week. Range and step within the range depend on experience and qualifications.

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. The appointment to the position is provisional pending a suitability determination by the Court based on the results of a background check, 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 job announcement, or to fill the position sooner than the closing date, if a closing date is shown; any of these actions may occur without any notice.

The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Job Type: Part-time

Pay: $49,805.00 - $95,217.00 per year

Expected hours: 20 per week

Benefits:

• 401(k)
  
• 401(k) matching
  
• Dental insurance
  
• Employee assistance program
  
• Flexible schedule
  
• Flexible spending account
  
• Health insurance
  
• Life insurance
  
• Paid time off
  
• Parental leave
  
• Retirement plan
  
• Vision insurance
  

Work Location: Remote