Chief Deputy Staff Attorney

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.

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.

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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 (513) 564-7250.