Logo
United States Courts

General Counsel to the Circuit Executive

United States Courts, Chicago, Illinois, United States, 60290


Position Overview, Position Duties and Responsibilities

The Circuit Executive’s Office, located in the Everett McKinley Dirksen U.S. Courthouse in Chicago, Illinois, provides policy development, administrative, technical, and staff support to the Chief Judge and Judicial Council of the Seventh Circuit; the United States Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit; and the district and bankruptcy courts, probation and pretrial offices, and federal defender services within the Seventh Circuit.The incumbent serves as counsel to the Circuit Executive and is responsible for providing legal advice to the Circuit Executive’s Office, the Seventh Circuit Judicial Council, and the court units within the Seventh Circuit. This role provides strategic guidance, consultation, and support to the organization on a comprehensive range of legal, policy, regulatory, and associated issues. The General Counsel to the Circuit Executive ensures that the circuit’s legal interests are protected, and all business practices, policies, and procedures comply with relevant laws and regulations.

Duties:Serves as counsel to the Circuit Executive and provides other circuit-wide assistance to the Circuit Executive.Responds to legal inquiries from the Circuit Executive, judges, courtofficers, and others.Conducts legal research and provides procedural and substantive advice on legal policy matters applicable to the Judicial Council of the Seventh Circuit and its committees.Analyzes and interprets federal statutes and regulations, Administrative Office of the United States Courts directives, policies, and procedures, and court rules and orders affecting the operation and work.Serves on committees, panels, and other ad hoc groups to assist the Circuit Executive and the Judicial Council of the Seventh Circuit.Participates as needed in judicial conduct and disability proceedings and Employee Dispute Resolution (EDR) matters, including investigations. Reports to the Chief Circuit Judge, Circuit Executive, and the Judicial Council of the Seventh Circuit or its special committees on appropriate courses of action.Spearheads initiatives to improve court rules, processes, procedures, forms, and policies. Staffs committees related to these areas as needed.Manages provisions of the Ethics Reform Act on behalf of the Chief Circuit Judge.Prepares responses to requests for assistance from the Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts, other clerk’s offices, or other entities as directed regarding pending litigation, ethics issues, and court plans and rules.Conducts in-depth research, evaluation, and recommendations regarding court or judiciary programs, organization, and processes.Develops and conducts trainings and presentations as needed.Provides editorial preparation and review of manuals and other information upon request.Monitors proposals before committees of the United States Judicial Conference and its committees for changes or impact upon circuit operations and matters that impact the circuit and the courts within the Seventh Circuit.Reviews legislative proposals before the U.S. House and Senate Judiciary Committees in order to identify changes or impacts to circuit operations. Draft testimony for judges appearing before congressional committees, upon request.Fulfills specific procurement and contracting responsibilities, such as drafting and reviewing contracts and purchase orders as required by procurement guidance.Performs other duties as assigned.Job Requirements and Qualifications

The applicant must have at least ten years relevant experience in public service, business, or a law firm. Must have a Juris Doctor degree from an ABA-approved law school. Advanced ability to think critically and strategically, and to develop and implement innovative programs and practices. Superior writing, speaking, listening, and presentation skills. Exceptional emotional intelligence and track record of building strong relationships. Sound judgment and the ability to maintain confidentiality are essential.Preferred Qualifications:Thorough knowledge of trial and appellate-level litigation and the federal rules of civil, criminal, and appellate procedure. At least three of the ten years of experience should have been in a management or supervisory role, preferably within a court setting. Experience in investigations is preferred.Notice to Applicants

Consideration will only be given to those individuals who apply through the court’s online applicant tracking system and provide a resume and cover letter by 11:59pm CST on November 18, 2024. Only those interviewed will be notified of the selection outcome. The court reserves the right to modify the conditions of this job announcement or to withdraw the announcement without written notice to applicants. Travel expenses for interviews cannot be reimbursed.Please note that this position is not covered by the Fair Chance Act and requires that applicants provide criminal history information prior to receiving any conditional offer of employment. The selected candidate will be subject to an FBI fingerprint check as a condition of employment and may be subject to periodic updates. All information provided by applicants is subject to verification and background investigation. Applicants are advised that false statements or omission of information on any application materials may be grounds for non-selection, withdrawal of an offer of employment or dismissal after being employed.Pursuant to the Immigration and Reform Act of 1986, selection is contingent upon providing proof of being legally eligible to work in and for the United States. Employees are required to use Electronic Fund Transfer (EFT) for payroll deposit.THIS OFFICE IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

#J-18808-Ljbffr