Become Counsel for the Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts

The Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts (AO) is seeking a highly skilled attorney to serve as Counsel within its Office of the General Counsel (OGC). This high-impact position is centered on the integrity of the federal judiciary, focusing specifically on the Ethics in Government Act. If you are an experienced attorney looking to transition into a role that combines regulatory oversight, policy guidance, and leadership, this is a unique opportunity to serve the third branch of government.

Job Responsibilities

As Counsel, you will serve as the Assistant Chief of the Financial Disclosure Staff. Key duties include:

Regulatory Oversight: Managing the administration of financial disclosure reports for judges and qualifying judiciary staff.
Advisory Services: Providing legal opinions on the Ethics in Government Act of 1978.
Team Leadership: Supervising paraprofessionals and administrative staff to ensure timely report processing.
Committee Support: Organizing agenda items and research for the Judicial Conference Committee on Financial Disclosure.
Systems Management: Collaborating with IT staff to refine the Judiciary Electronic Filing System.

Requirements

To be considered for this position, applicants must meet the following criteria:

Education: A J.D. from an ABA-accredited law school.
Bar Membership: Active status in any state or federal court of general jurisdiction.
Experience: At least 3 years of post-J.D. legal work, with at least one year of specialized experience in ethics law.

Qualifications Comparison

Requirement	Minimum Standard	Preferred Experience
Legal Experience	3 Years	5+ Years
Ethics Law	1 Year	3+ Years
Leadership	Ability to lead	Senior-level supervision

Salary and Benefits

The salary for this role ranges from $121,785 to $197,200 per year, commensurate with your experience. In addition to a competitive salary, the AO offers a robust federal benefits package including health, dental, vision, life insurance, retirement planning via the FERS system, and the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP).

Application Tips

Highlight Ethics: Ensure your resume clearly states your experience with financial disclosures or government ethics.
Clarity is Key: Since the role requires writing, your resume should demonstrate clear and succinct communication.
Detailed Documentation: Do not forget to include your bar admission details—state, date, and institution name.

Serving as Counsel at the AO is more than just a job; it is a commitment to the foundational integrity of the U.S. court system. If you meet the qualifications, we encourage you to apply and contribute your expertise to this vital institution.

Why This Counsel Job Matters

Shape the integrity of the federal judiciary by leading critical financial disclosure initiatives as Counsel with the Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts.

Counsel Job Overview

The Office of the General Counsel (OGC) at the Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts (AO) is seeking an experienced attorney to serve as Counsel. This role acts as a primary advisor on ethics law, specifically the Ethics in Government Act of 1978, managing financial disclosure programs for federal judges and judicial employees. You will lead a dedicated team, provide high-level guidance to senior leadership, and ensure the transparency and compliance of the federal judiciary.

Requirements for Counsel

Active membership in good standing of the bar of any state, territory, D.C., Puerto Rico, or a federal court.
Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree from an American Bar Association-accredited law school.
Minimum of 3 years of post-J.D. legal experience.
At least one full year (52 weeks) of specialized legal experience relevant to the position.
Proven experience providing senior-level legal advice on policies, ethics, and legislative matters.
U.S. citizenship or proof of authorization to work for non-citizens where applicable.
Ability to pass a fingerprint-based criminal background check and public trust suitability determination.

Preferred Qualifications for Counsel

More than 3 years of specialized experience in ethics law or financial disclosure compliance.
Demonstrated ability to lead and mentor paraprofessional and administrative staff.
Exceptional legal research and analytical capabilities.
Experience managing complex, sensitive document redaction and public release processes.
Strong technical proficiency in managing electronic filing or regulatory compliance software.
Experience presenting reports and recommendations to senior-level committees or boards.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Competitive federal pay scale within the judicial branch broad-banded system.
✓Comprehensive federal health, dental, and vision insurance options.
✓Participation in the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS).
✓Access to the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) with government matching contributions.
✓Generous leave policies, including annual and sick leave.
✓Telework eligibility to support work-life balance.
✓Professional development and training opportunities.

💡 How to Apply Counsel Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Counsel Job

Ensure you have a current USAJOBS account.
Prepare your resume detailing your legal experience, including dates and institutions for your J.D. and bar admission.
Gather supporting documents: SF-50 (for current/former federal employees), DD-214 (if claiming veterans preference).
Navigate to the online application portal via the link provided in the announcement.
Complete the occupational questionnaire accurately to reflect your qualifications.
Submit your full application package before the closing date.
Monitor your status via the USAJOBS portal.

💡 General Tips

Be specific about your J.D. details—include the institution name, graduation date, and bar admission state.
When answering the occupational questionnaire, ensure your resume contains clear, verifiable evidence that supports your self-ratings.
Double-check that your SF-50 is the most recent version if you are a federal applicant.
Submit early to allow time for the document virus scan and potential system delays.
Carefully review your narrative responses to ensure they demonstrate your specialized experience in the Ethics in Government Act.

Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of experience qualifies as 'specialized' for this role?

Specialized experience involves at least one year of practice in ethics law, specifically interpreting the Ethics in Government Act, providing financial disclosure guidance, and advising senior officials on legal compliance.

Is a security clearance required for this position?

While no formal security clearance is required, you must pass an FBI fingerprint-based criminal background check and a public trust suitability check.

Can I work remotely?

This position is telework eligible, though it is based in Washington, D.C. It is not currently designated as a remote-only position.

Job from Administrative Office Of The U.S. Courts

The Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts supports the federal judiciary by providing essential administrative, financial, and legal services. Operating under the mission of ensuring equal justice under the law, the AO acts as the central administrative hub for federal courts. Employees here are part of a prestigious group dedicated to maintaining the independence and efficacy of the judiciary.