Legal Advisor

Summary The 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. Learn more about this agency Requirements Conditions of Employment United 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. Qualifications Conduct 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. Education Juris Doctor Degree and a member of the bar in good standing of at least one jurisdiction. Additional information Full-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). Read more Benefits Review our benefits