CHIEF DEPUTY CLERK (TYPE II)

About the opportunity

The Clerk’s 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 acts as an alter ego to the Clerk of Court and assists in overseeing and managing all aspects of Clerk’s Office operations, including appeal processing, case management activities, personnel, statistical reporting, automation, budget, and procurement. The role involves developing organizational goals, establishing priorities, conducting studies, and acting for the Clerk in their absence.

Salary and benefits

• 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
• Pretax flexible spending account programs
• Life insurance options
• Paid off-site parking, subject to availability of funds
• On-site exercise facility

Who can apply?

• Applicants must be United States citizens or lawful permanent residents seeking United States citizenship.
• 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 demonstrating proven skills in managing limited resources, excellent analytical skills, mature judgment, 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 court's case management systems.
• Creativity and initiative.

Required documents

• A single PDF containing a cover letter addressing all pertinent knowledge, skills, and abilities outlined in the announcement.
• A resume detailing educational background, previous employment and salary history, and other relevant information.
• Three professional references with contact information.
• A document addressing leadership and management philosophy, formal education or training received in leadership, leadership style, methods for motivating/rewarding/disciplining staff, an example of a resolved serious personnel issue, the ideal relationship between a principal and an alter ego deputy, prior Chief Deputy experience (if any), support strategies for the Clerk, specific traits/skills brought as a successful alter ego, and background demonstrating ability to interact with judges, court executives, agency staff, and the public.

When to apply

• Application closing date: September 13, 2026, at 23:59:59 (UTC).

How to apply

• Prepare a single PDF containing your cover letter, resume, three professional references, and the required leadership essay document.
• Email the application package to Clerk_HR@ca5.uscourts.gov.
• Reference "Chief Deputy Clerk 3-2026" in the subject line of the email.

Additional information

• Preferred qualifications include one or more post-graduate degrees in law, judicial or public administration, business, political science, or a related field.
• Experience in the federal judiciary or executive administration, including familiarity with budgetary, fiscal, personnel, procurement, and information technology issues is preferred.
• Admission to practice law before the highest court of a state, territory, commonwealth or possession of the United States is preferred.
• Complex case management experience and/or management experience in a federal court is preferred.
• Substantial professional experience as a practicing attorney, a federal law clerk, and/or a state appellate court law clerk is preferred.
• Funds are not available to support travel or relocation expenses.
• Direct deposit of federal wages is required.
• Employees serve under "Excepted Appointments" and are considered "at will" employees.