Administrative Attorney

The Office of the Circuit Executive for the Ninth Circuit (OCE) invites applications for an Administrative Attorney, with a primary focus on complaints filed under the Judicial Conduct and Disability Act of 1980 (28 U.S.C. §§ 351–364). Candidates who are motivated, self-sufficient, critical thinkers with excellent organizational and communication skills are encouraged to apply. If you are interested in a position that offers an opportunity to contribute to the federal judiciary’s mission of ensuring equal justice under the law, come join our talented and diverse team at the OCE.

• Serve as the initial and primary administrative and clerical point of contact for all JC&D matters, which includes:
o Opening, reviewing, and processing hard-copy mail submissions from complainants to determine compliance with relevant rules;
o Performing case management duties, including appropriate record retention practices, paper file organization, and calendaring deadlines;
o Processing judicial orders and other legal documents for all Attorney Advisors within COPLA;
o Receiving and responding to JC&D inquiries from complainants via mail and email;
o Communicating with judges and providing updates regarding JC&D matters via telephone, mail, and email;
o Drafting accurate, thorough, grammatical, and error-free correspondence and memos;
o Inputting and maintaining data and reviewing the accuracy, timeliness, and quality of data entered;
o Formatting and assembling internal reports and complying with accurate statistical reporting requirements of the Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts; and
o Responding to requests for JC&D complaint information from the FBI, ABA, or other internal vetting processes in compliance with the
confidentiality requirements of 28 U.S.C.§ 360.

• Process JC&D complaints in accordance with 28 U.S.C. §§ 351-364, the JC&D Rules, and the Ninth Circuit’s Local Rules for Misconduct Proceedings, which includes:
o Reviewing the complaint, researching the legal issues, investigating the record and underlying facts, and identifying the correct recommendation for resolving the complaint;
o Analyzing and synthesizing issues in underlying civil, criminal, and bankruptcy proceedings, where applicable, for a basic understanding of the procedural and legal background of the complaint;
o Preparing memoranda and drafting disposition orders;
o Orally presenting the recommendation to the Chief Circuit Judge;
o Effectively managing a docket of cases;
o Promptly and accurately performing administrative tasks to conclude the JC&D matter; and
o Monitoring and resolving petitions for review of the Chief Judge’s disposition order by preparing a recommendation memorandum for the Judicial Council.

• Assist the Chief Circuit Judge or Special Committee on JC&D related matters as necessary, including interviewing witnesses, summarizing witness interviews, drafting memoranda, coordinating the investigation, etc.
• Perform other legal, policy, and administrative support to the COPLA Unit, the OCE, and the Chief Circuit Judge as necessary.

Next Steps
• Priority consideration given to applicants who apply by May 15, 2026.
• Position open until filled.
• Travel to the interview and relocation expenses (if the applicant is successful) will not be reimbursed.
• If selected for an interview, you will be provided information regarding a writing exercise that you will complete before or at the conclusion of your interview. All materials and equipment will be provided on-site at the interview.
• Applicants scheduled for an interview should advise the Human Resources department if any accommodation is needed for the interview or the on-site writing exercise.

Conditions of Employment
Must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident in the process of applying for citizenship. Successful applicants are provisionally hired pending results of background investigation and fingerprinting. Positions with the U.S. Courts are at-will, excepted service appointments, and may be terminated with or without cause by the OCE. Employees are required to adhere to the Code of Conduct for Judicial Employees. Direct deposit of pay is required.

The OCE reserves the right to modify the conditions of this job announcement, or to withdraw the announcement, for any reason including but not limited to budgetary issues. Any modifications may occur without prior written or other notice.

Equity Focused Employer
We value diversity and are committed to equity and inclusion in our workplace. The OCE encourages applications from all qualified individuals and seeks a diverse pool of applicants in terms of race, ethnicity, national origin, sex, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, age, languages spoken, veteran’s status, disability, religion, and socio-economic circumstance.