The United States Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit is seeking a highly qualified Chief Staff Attorney to serve as the senior executive of the Staff Attorneys' Office.

Staff Attorneys' Office 

The Staff Attorneys' Office prepares recommended dispositions of substantive motions, appeals decided without oral argument, original proceedings, and
emergency matters. Frequent subject matter areas include habeas corpus, civil rights, criminal law and sentencing, immigration, and employment
discrimination, but the office's work touches the full gamut of cases before the Court. Assisted by supervisory and administrative staff, staff attorneys   conduct legal research and draft independent, objective memoranda and proposed orders for submission to the Court. The Staff Attorneys' Office comprises the chief staff attorney, chief deputy staff attorney, approximately twenty-five attorneys (including supervisory, career, and term), and seven administrative staff members.

Chief Staff Attorney Position

The Chief Staff Attorney is the head of the Staff Attorneys' Office and the Court's chief legal officer. The Chief Staff Attorney is a statutory position
appointed by the Court and reports to the Chief Circuit Judge.  The Chief Staff Attorney directs attorneys and administrative staff, with full responsibility for
the legal and administrative operations of the office. The responsibilities of the position also include:

• Ensure the high quality and timely submission of the office's work product.
• Establish and maintain sound working relationships with other court units.
• Advise the Court on legal and procedural matters.
• Serve on the Court's executive leadership team, staff Court committees, and advise the Administrative Office together with other Circuits' Chief Staff Attorneys.

Qualifications

• Required:  A Juris Doctor degree from an accredited law school. Membership in good standing in the bar of a state, territorial or federal court of general jurisdiction. Expertise in federal appellate, civil, and criminal procedure, as well as significant understanding of constitutional law. At least ten years of experience in the practice of law, legal research, or legal administration, and at least five years of supervisory responsibility. Superior
  analytical, research, and writing skills; outstanding written and oral communication abilities; strong interpersonal skills; knowledge of automated systems; and a demonstrated ability to supervise professional staff.
• Preferred: Related experience in a federal court, government agency, or equivalent environment. Experience as a federal law clerk.

Total Rewards & Work/Life Balance

• Compensation*: $207,565 - $240,466* (JSP 17) (*Salary commensurate with qualifications)
• Benefits: Employer subsidized health and life insurance plans.  Dental and vision insurance plans. Flexible spending accounts for health care, dependent care, and commuter expenses.  Eligibility for Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program and mass transit subsidies. On-site fitness center. Federal retirement entails a pension plan (FERS-FRAE) and employer-matching Thrift Savings Plan (similar to a 401K). Retirees may carry insurance plans into retirement while paying the same premiums as employees. Visit www.uscourts.gov/careers/benefits to learn more about the Judiciary's competitive benefits.
• Work/Life: Annual time off - 13 vacation days, 13 sick leave days, and 11 paid holidays. Vacation days increase to 20 days after three years and to 26 days after fifteen years. Hybrid telework schedule may be available.

Conditions of Employment

The selected candidate is provisionally hired pending results of background investigation and fingerprinting. This position is subject to updated background investigations every five years. Applicants selected for an interview must complete the Optional Background Information section on the Judiciary's application. The incumbent is required to complete an annual financial disclosure report. Travel for this position is required. Employees are required to adhere to the Judicial Code of Conduct for Judicial Employees. For citizenship requirements, visit www.uscourts.gov/careers. Electronic Fund Transfer for payroll direct deposit is required.  Positions with the U.S. Courts are at-will, excepted service appointments, and may be terminated with or without cause by the Court.  The Court reserves the right to modify the conditions of this announcement, or to withdraw the announcement for any reason without notice.

How to Apply

Please submit a single PDF application packet, including (1) a cover letter addressing your qualifications and experience performing the representative duties and how you learned of the position, (2) a current resume, to the Director of Human Resources via the Apply to Position button on our online application system. Position is open until filled; preference given to applications received by April 24, 2026.

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The United States Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit is an equal opportunity employer.  For a reasonable accommodation during the recruitment process, contact Human Resources at (513) 564-7250.