General Counsel

Summary The Center has an opening for a General Counsel. The General Counsel is responsible for providing legal, policy, and strategic counsel to the Center, and for providing a range of legal support services for all aspects of Center operations, administration, policy, and practice. The position is part of the Director and Deputy Director's Office and reports to the Center's Deputy Director. The General Counsel will often work closely with the Center's senior staff. Learn more about this agency Duties DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: Provides legal advice and guidance to the Director and Deputy Director Drafts, reviews, and provides legal guidance on Center policies, government contracts, and inter-agency agreements Reviews speeches and publications produced by Center leaders and staff Provides legal guidance to supervisors on personnel and employment related issues Reviews and interprets laws that affect the Center Serves as the Center's point of contact for investigations such as by oversight entities of Congressional committees or the Government Accountability Office Serves as or coordinates the Center's representation in legal matters Ensures adherence to all federal regulations, policies, procedures, and ethical standards Builds and sustains strong, collaborative working relationships with internal and external stakeholders, including colleagues across the Center's divisions and offices Coordinates with the Office of General Counsel at the Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts, and other stakeholders as needed Works on special projects as assigned Requirements Conditions of employment KEY REQUIREMENTS: Selectee must be a United States Citizen, subject to the exceptions enumerated at https://www.uscourts.gov/careers/search-judiciary-jobs/citizenship-requirementsemployment-judiciary. Selectee must favorably complete a background investigation. Relatives of Center staff members may not be employed at the Center in any capacity. All requirements must be met for full consideration. The Federal Judicial Center is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to achieving a professional and collegial workplace in which everyone is valued and treated fairly and respectfully. Qualifications MANDATORY QUALIFICATIONS: A juris doctor (J.D.) from an accredited law school and active membership in the bar of the highest court of any state, the District of Columbia, or a United States territory or commonwealth Ten years of progressively responsible experience in the practice of law, legal research, legal administration, or equivalent experience Three years of general counsel experience Proven attention to detail and ability to ensure compliance with federal regulations, policies, procedures, and ethical standards Experience advising senior leaders Ability to work independently under limited guidance and direction, respond efficiently to changing priorities, and meet deadlines Aptitude for collaborative problem-solving and consensus-building Ability to consistently exercise sound ethics and judgment and maintain confidentiality Excellent interpersonal and communication skills DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS: Experience working in the Judicial Branch Knowledge of the Guide to Judiciary Policy Knowledge of federal personnel and employment law Knowledge of federal procurement and contracting law Education A juris doctor (J.D.) from an accredited law school and active membership in the bar of the highest court of any state, the District of Columbia, or a United States territory or commonwealth. Additional information SALARY AND BENEFITS: This position is in pay band 6, with a salary range of $152,291 to $229,908, including the 2026 Washington, D.C. locality adjustment. The starting salary is $182,749 (includes 2026 D.C. locality) and is non-negotiable. For internal candidates, salaries will be adjusted as follows: if the candidate's current salary is below the starting salary, it will be increased to $182,749 (includes 2026 D.C. locality); if it exceeds the starting salary, it will be matched, up to the pay band 6 maximum of $229,908 (includes 2026 D.C. locality). The position is in Washington, D.C. and the selected candidate must be prepared to work in the TMFJB on a regular basis. This position provides limited telework options. The Center does not pay for relocation expenses; however, Center employees receive reimbursement for official business travel. This position does not carry the tenure rights of positions in the competitive civil service. Expand Hide  additional information Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution. Benefits A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits. Federal government benefits are applicable. An array of supplemental benefits is also offered, including a transportation subsidy and a flexible benefit program allowing for pre-tax deductions for health insurance, health care, dependent care, and commuter expenses. The Center is in the Thurgood Marshall Federal Judiciary Building (TMFJB), conveniently situated to public transportation directly beside Union Station. The TMFJB houses a child development center, a health fitness facility, and a cafeteria for its tenants. Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.