Chief Deputy Staff Attorney

The Office of the Staff Attorneys, United States Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit, seeks a Chief Deputy Staff Attorney to serve in an executive role as the Chief Staff Attorney's second-in-command.

Office of the Staff Attorneys

The Office of the Staff Attorneys is the court's central legal staff, comprising approximately 20 staff attorneys, four supervisory staff attorneys, the Chief Deputy Staff Attorney, and the Chief Staff Attorney, as well as an administrative manager and support staff. The office includes three specialized units: motions (including emergency filings), death penalty, and jurisdiction.

The office serves the court at large, rather than individual judges. We recommend the disposition of certain substantive motions, including emergency filings, and appeals that are decided without oral argument. Many of these appeals are filed by prisoners and other litigants who are proceeding without counsel. Staff attorneys conduct legal research, prepare memoranda, and draft proposed orders and opinions. Our work can involve any area of the law, but it principally focuses on prisoner civil rights, habeas corpus, criminal law (including the United States Sentencing Guidelines), immigration, employment discrimination, and other pro se litigation.

Chief Deputy Staff Attorney

The Chief Deputy Staff Attorney is the deputy court unit executive, working directly with the Chief Staff Attorney to lead the office. Responsibilities include advising and assisting the Chief Staff Attorney in all administrative and operational affairs, such as strategic planning, human resources management, and budgeting and procurement. In addition, the Chief Deputy Staff Attorney plays a substantial role in managing the office's specialized units; monitors and reports on legal developments; responds to questions from judges, chambers staff, and other court personnel; develops training programs and materials; and participates in the recruitment and selection of staff attorneys. The Chief Deputy Staff Attorney's supervisory duties include substantive and technical review of attorneys' written work and evaluation of attorneys' performance. The Chief Deputy Staff Attorney has full administrative and operational responsibility for the office in the Chief Staff Attorney's absence.

Qualifications

Required: A Juris Doctor degree from an ABA-accredited law school. Membership in good standing in the bar of a state, a U.S. territory, or the District of Columbia. (Membership need not be active.) At least seven years of experience in the practice of law, legal research and writing, or legal administration, and at least three years of substantial managerial or supervisory responsibility. Expertise in federal appellate, civil, and criminal procedure, as well as significant understanding of relevant federal substantive law. Superior analytical, research, writing, editing, and oral communication skills. Outstanding interpersonal, collaborative, and leadership abilities. Ability to work under pressure, manage cases efficiently, and consistently meet deadlines. Exceptional ability to manage and lead a team of professional legal staff.

Strongly Preferred:  Related experience in a court or government agency. Specialized training in court administration or operations. Experience managing other supervisors.

Total Rewards & Work/Life Balance

Compensation * : $180,732 – $209,600 (JSP 16) (*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 ( 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  ( 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 in relation to the job duties and how you learned of the position, and (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 October 2, 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 Show phone number.