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U.S. Courts

Legal Advisor

Washington, District of Columbia

Washington, District of Columbia, District of Columbia, United States · full time

USD 198534-209600 per year

Posted Jun 8, 2026Source checked Nov 9, 2026
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About this role

The United States Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Court seeks to hire a Legal Advisor 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 Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act. The Legal Advisors advise Judges on legal issues presented in applications or otherwise before the Court.

Duties 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 Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act. The Legal Advisors advise Judges on legal issues presented in applications or otherwise before the Court.

Qualifications 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 (or the GS-15) level. The Court is particularly interested in applicants with expertise in intelligence law, constitutional law, privacy or communications technology and the law. Experience as a clerk to a federal judge is preferred. To be considered, an applicant must be a licensed attorney and a member in good standing of the bar of at least one jurisdiction. An applicant must also currently hold or be willing to obtain and maintain a security clearance at the Top Secret/SCI level.

Education Juris Doctor Degree and a member of the bar in good standing of at least one jurisdiction.

Requirements United States citizenship is required for consideration for this position. Because of the access to classified materials and information, a Top Secret/SCI clearance is required for this position. If the selected candidate does not currently hold a Top Secret/SCI security clearance, any appointment is contingent upon the favorable adjudication of a completed background investigation and being granted such a security clearance. The selected candidate will also undergo a background check. 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.

Required documents Cover letter, AO-78 application, resume, and a writing sample, not to exceed ten pages.

How to apply 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 A resume detailing all relevant experience, education, and skills Writing sample, not to exceed ten pages Applications may be mailed or hand delivered to: United States District Court Attn: Human Resources (26-FISC-02) 333 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room 2712 Washington, DC 20001 Or via e-mail to: [email protected] If applying by email, a single attachment in Adobe Acrobat (.pdf) format in one email message should be organized as follows: (1) Cover Letter, (2) AO-78, (3) Resume and (4) Writing Sample. Failure to submit a complete and signed cover letter, AO-78, resume, and writing sample 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.

Source: USAJOBS. View the original listing