US Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit

Position:          Part-Time Attorney Advisor

Salary:             CL 29 ($87,301 – $111,867) (salary will be pro-rated)

Posting Date:   March 10, 2026

Closing Date:   Open until filled. Candidates will be reviewed, and interviews will be scheduled as applications are received.

Job Summary:

The United States Court of Appeals is located at the Thomas F. Eagleton Courthouse in St. Louis, Missouri, with a divisional office in St. Paul, Minnesota, having a territorial jurisdiction including the states of Missouri, Arkansas, Iowa, Minnesota, Nebraska, North Dakota, and South Dakota. The Eighth Circuit has 11 authorized judgeships, 1 senior judge, and employs approximately 33 Clerk’s office staff members.

The Attorney Advisor provides prompt and accurate advice regarding cases pending before the court and on other court-related issues. The Attorney Advisor conducts legal research and reviews case records and fillings, acts on certain motions within the delegated authority of the Clerk’s Office, screens appeals for jurisdictional and procedural issues and oral argument, works on special projects related to the operations of the Clerk’s Office, and provides information to litigants and attorneys.

The position is in the Clerk’s office of the US Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit in St. Louis, Missouri. Candidates located in St. Louis, Missouri are preferred due to operational needs; however, fully remote candidates will be considered. Please note that the successful candidate will not be permitted to engage in the practice of law other than performing assigned duties for the Clerk’s office.

Representative Duties:

·         Screens cases for jurisdictional and other procedural issues and oral argument.

·         Serves as a legal resource for Clerk’s office staff.

·         Works on special projects as assigned, especially those related to Clerk’s Office operations.

·         Acts on certain motions within the delegated authority of the Clerk’s Office; refers other motions to other Clerk’s office staff, the Staff Attorneys’ office, or chambers as appropriate.

·         Provides procedural information to pro se litigants or counsel by responding to telephone inquiries and replying to correspondence.

·         Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications and Educational Requirements

·         A Juris Doctor from an accredited law school.

·         Admission to practice before the highest court of a State, Territory, Commonwealth, or federal court of general jurisdiction of the United States.

·         At least 2 years’ legal experience after law school.  Time spent as a law clerk will be regarded as relevant experience.

·         Excellent written and oral communication skills; strong interpersonal and analytical skills, and proficiency in the use of technology.

·         The ability to analyze complex legal questions and provide proposed solutions.

·         The ability to work quickly and accurately and prioritize among competing demands.

·         Knowledge of and compliance with the Code of Conduct for Judicial Employees and court confidentiality requirements.

·         Ability to demonstrate sound ethics and judgment.

Preferred Qualifications

·         Thorough knowledge of the appellate process and the Federal Rules of Appellate Procedure.

·         Prior experience as a federal law clerk or staff attorney, or employment as an attorney for a state appellate court.

Total Rewards and Work/Life Balance

The Eighth Circuit offers a congenial work environment with a team of dedicated professionals

·         Benefits:

o   Eligible part-time employees accrue annual leave on a pro-rated basis depending upon their years of creditable service as follows:

§  Less than three years of service: 1 hour for each 20 hours in a pay status

§  Three through 14 years of service: 1 hour for each 13 hours in a pay status

§  15 or more years of service: 1 hour for each 10 hours in a pay status

o   Eligible part-time employees accrue one hour of sick leave for every 20 hours in a pay status.

o   Eligibility for health benefits coverage and Federal Employees Group Life Insurance; however, premiums will be prorated.

·         Amenities:

o   Onsite fitness center and cafeteria.

o   Onsite, free health clinic is staffed with a nurse and M.D.

o   24-hour building security.

Conditions of Employment

·         Applicants must be a US citizen or a lawful permanent resident of the United States currently seeking citizenship or intending to become a citizen immediately following meeting eligibility.

·         Selected applicants are hired provisionally pending results of fingerprinting and a background investigation.

·         Direct deposit of pay is required.

·         Positions with the US Courts are “excepted service” positions and employees serve “at will.”

·         Employees are subject to and must comply with The Code of Conduct for Judicial Employees.

·         No relocation expenses are permitted.

·         All applicant information is subject to verification. Providing false and/or misleading information may be grounds for removal from the application and selection process, as well as disciplinary action if discovered after hire.

How to Apply:

Submit a completed Form AO-78 Federal Judicial Branch Application for Employment, a detailed resume, and a cover letter at https://ca852383.hire.trakstar.com/jobs/fk0z362. All three documents are required. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

The United States Courts are EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYERS committed to equity and inclusion in hiring practices, and the Eighth Circuit values diversity in the workplace.