SummaryThe United States Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Court employs attorneys, called Legal Advisors, to assist the Judges of the Court in considering applications presented by the U.S. government for authority to conduct electronic surveillance, physical search or other forms of intelligence gathering pursuant to the United States Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act. The Legal Advisors also advise Judges on legal issues presented in applications or that are otherwise before the Court.
This job is open to - The public
U.S. Citizens, Nationals or those who owe allegiance to the U.S.
DutiesConduct initial review of government applications for authorization to employ various means of obtaining foreign intelligence pursuant to the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act and advise Judges on legal issues presented in applications or that are otherwise before the Court.
Requirements Conditions of EmploymentUnited States citizenship is required for consideration for this position.
Employees must possess a current Top Secret/SCI security clearance.
Employees of the United States Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Court are excepted service appointments. Excepted service appointments are "At-Will" and can be terminated with or without cause by the court.
Employees are required to adhere to the Code of Conduct for Judicial Employees.
Employees are required to use Electronic Fund Transfer (EFT) for payroll deposit.
Selection will be made consistent with the provisions of the Equal Employment Opportunity Plan adopted by the United States District and Bankruptcy Courts for the District of Columbia.
The Court reserves the right to modify the conditions of this announcement.
QualificationsConduct initial review of government applications for authorization to employ various means of obtaining foreign intelligence pursuant to the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act and advise Judges on legal issues presented in applications or that are otherwise before the Court.
The Court invites applications from attorneys with at least eight years of legal work experience, including at least one year equivalent to work at the JSP-15 (equivalent to the GS-15) level. The Court is particularly interested in individuals who have an expertise in national security law, constitutional law, privacy, or communications technology and the law. Litigation or judicial clerkship experience is desirable. To be considered, an applicant must be a licensed attorney, a member in good standing of the bar of at least one jurisdiction, and possess a current security clearance, preferably Top Secret/SCI.
EducationJuris Doctor Degree and a member of the bar in good standing of at least one jurisdiction.
Additional informationFull-time employees of the United States Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Court are eligible for a full range of benefits to include:
- A minimum of 11 paid holidays per year.
- Paid annual leave in the amount of 13 days per year for the first three years, 20 days per year after three years, and 26 days per year after fifteen years.
- Paid sick leave in the amount of 13 days per year.
- Federal Employees' Retirement System (FERS).
- Optional participation in the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP), the Federal Employees Health Benefits Program (FEHBP), Federal Dental and Vision Insurance Program (FEDVIP), the Federal Employees' Group Life Insurance (FEGLI), the Flexible Benefits Program, the Commuter Benefit Program, and SmartBenefits (mass transit subsidy up to $315 per month).
- Employee Recognition Program, budget permitting.
- Workers' Compensation Program.
- On-site physical fitness facility.
- Flexible work schedule.
- Federal Occupational Health Services Program (FOH)/ On-site Health Unit.
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP)/Work Life Services.
- Virtual Learning through the Judiciary Online University.
- Student Loan Forgiveness for Public Service Employees.
- Priority enrollment for children beginning at three months of age until kindergarten of all employees of the United States Courts in the Thurgood Marshall Child Development Center (TMCDC).
- Benefits
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How You Will Be EvaluatedYou will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.
Applicants meeting all qualifications indicated above will be evaluated based upon the information provided in the resume and the writing sample.
- Benefits
Review our benefits - Required Documents
As a new or existing federal employee, you and your family may have access to a range of benefits. Your benefits depend on the type of position you have - whether you're a permanent, part-time, temporary or an intermittent employee. You may be eligible for the following benefits, however, check with your agency to make sure you're eligible under their policies.
To be considered for this "at will" position, applicants are required to submit the following:
- A cover letter detailing how your experience relates to the position requirements.
- AO-78, Federal Judicial Branch Application for Employment (can be downloaded from https://www.uscourts.gov/).
- A resume detailing all relevant experience, education, and skills.
- Writing sample, not to exceed ten pages.
If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:
Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from
schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating. - How to Apply
Applications may be e-mailed to:
Agency contact information
Human Resources
Email
Address
US Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Court
333 Constitution Avenue, N.W.
Washington, DC 20001
US
Next steps
Failure to submit a complete and signed cover letter, AO-78, and resume will result in immediate disqualification. Description of Work section of the AO-78 must be complete to include salary information. Indicating "see resume" is not acceptable. Incomplete and/or unsigned applications will not be considered, returned or retained. Only applicants selected for an interview will be contacted and must travel at their own expense. One application per candidate will be accepted for this announcement. - Fair and Transparent
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
- Criminal history inquiries
- Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Policy
- Financial suitability
- New employee probationary period
- Privacy Act
- Reasonable accommodation policy
- Selective Service
- Signature and false statements
- Social security number request
Required DocumentsTo be considered for this "at will" position, applicants are required to submit the following:
- A cover letter detailing how your experience relates to the position requirements.
- AO-78, Federal Judicial Branch Application for Employment (can be downloaded from https://www.uscourts.gov/).
- A resume detailing all relevant experience, education, and skills.
- Writing sample, not to exceed ten pages.
If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from
schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.
How to ApplyApplications may be e-mailed to:
Agency contact informationHuman Resources
Email
Address
US Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Court
333 Constitution Avenue, N.W.
Washington, DC 20001
US
Next stepsFailure to submit a complete and signed cover letter, AO-78, and resume will result in immediate disqualification. Description of Work section of the AO-78 must be complete to include salary information. Indicating "see resume" is not acceptable. Incomplete and/or unsigned applications will not be considered, returned or retained. Only applicants selected for an interview will be contacted and must travel at their own expense. One application per candidate will be accepted for this announcement.
Fair & TransparentThe Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
- Criminal history inquiries
- Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Policy
- Financial suitability
- New employee probationary period
- Privacy Act
- Reasonable accommodation policy
- Selective Service
- Signature and false statements
- Social security number request
