Chief Deputy Clerk

UNITED STATES COURT OF APPEALS, FIFTH CIRCUIT OFFICE OF THE CLERK Chief Deputy Clerk Announcement # 3-2026

Appointment:
Permanent/Full-Time

Salary Range: JSP 17 ($199,275 - $209,600)

Depending On Qualifications & Experience

Open/Close Dates:
August 21, 2026 September 13, 2026

The Clerks Office for the United States Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals in New Orleans is accepting applications for the position of Chief Deputy Clerk (Type II). The Chief Deputy Clerk is an alter ego to the Clerk of Court and assists in overseeing and managing all aspects of Clerks Office operations.

The Chief Deputy Clerk reports directly to the Clerk of Court and is responsible for administrative and management functions including but not limited to:

• (1) overseeing all appeal processing and case management activities, ensuring records are maintained in compliance with established procedures and quality control standards;
• (2) managing the day-to-day administration of the Clerks Office, including personnel, statistical reporting, automation, budget, and procurement;
• (3) developing organizational goals and objectives and establishing plans, priorities, and deadlines for completion of work;
• (4) conducting studies and performing special projects relating to the business of the court;
• (5) acting for the Clerk in his absence.

• An undergraduate degree from an accredited college or university.
• A minimum of six years progressively responsible administrative, professional, or legal work experience in public service or business that provided a thorough knowledge of concepts, principles, policies, and theories of management and administrative processes.
• At least three of the six years of experience must be specialized experience in supervisory, managerial, or professional work that demonstrates proven skills in managing limited resources, excellent analytical skills, mature judgement, solid organizational management and problem-solving experience, strong employee-relation and interpersonal skills, and superior oral and written communication skills.
• Significant knowledge of office automation and demonstrated aptitude to learn the courts case management systems.
• Creativity and initiative.

• One or more post-graduate degrees in law, judicial or public administration, business, political science, or a related field are highly preferred.
• Experience in the federal judiciary or executive administration, including familiarity with budgetary, fiscal, personnel, procurement, and information technology issues.
• Admission to practice law before the highest court of a state, territory, commonwealth or possession of the United States.
• Complex case management experience and/or management experience in a federal court.
• Substantial professional experience as a practicing attorney, a federal law clerk, and/or a state appellate court law clerk.

The Chief Deputy Clerk position is a highly sensitive position. As a condition of employment, the selected candidate must successfully complete a background check.

The U. S. Court of Appeals is part of the federal judicial branch of government. The 94 U. S. judicial districts are organized into 12 regional circuits, each of which has a U. S. Court of Appeals. A court of appeals hears appeals from the district courts located within its circuit, as well as appeals from decisions of federal administrative agencies.

The Fifth Circuit was established by congress in 1891, and encompasses districts from Louisiana, Mississippi, and Texas.

Employees of the Clerks Office of the United States Court of Appeals, Fifth Circuit are not included in the governments civil service classification. They are, however, entitled to similar benefits as other federal employees.

• 13 days paid vacation per year for the first three years of employment
• 20 days paid vacation per year after three years of employment
• 26 days paid vacation per year after 15 years of employment
• 13 days paid sick leave per year
• 11 paid Federal holidays per year (plus Mardi Gras)
• Paid Parental Leave
• Participation in the Federal Employees Retirement System (including government Thrift Savings Plan similar to 401K plan with matching funds)
• Choice of Medical, dental, and vision plans
• Pre-tax flexible spending account programs
• Life insurance options
• Paid off-site parking, subject to availability of funds
• On-site exercise facility

Only qualified applicants will be considered for this position. Applicants must be United States citizens or lawful permanent residents seeking United States citizenship. The court reserves the right to modify the conditions of this job announcement, withdraw the announcement, fill the position sooner than the closing date, or to extend the closing date, any of which actions may occur without any prior notice.

This office provides reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities. If you need such accommodation for any part of the…