Court Name/Organization Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals Overview of the Position The Eighth Circuit Office of Staff Attorneys is based in downtown St. Louis, Missouri, the seat of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit. Staff attorneys support the Court as a whole rather than individual judges, assisting the Court in its review of decisions appealed from the district courts in the seven states that make up the Eighth Circuit, and from federal government agencies. The staff attorneys' principal task is the preparation of written legal memoranda to advise the Court in its review of matters that will be decided on written submissions only (without oral argument), including all pro se appeals and certain counseled cases. The types of matters on which staff attorneys work include: direct criminal appeals of convictions and sentences imposed under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines; collateral attacks on criminal convictions, by state and federal prisoners; civil rights actions under 42 U.S.C. § 1983; and cases involving a variety of other areas of law, such as employment discrimination, tax, bankruptcy, immigration, and Social Security benefits. At present, the office is comprised of twenty-seven employees, including line staff attorneys (some of whom are in career positions and some of whom are in two-year term positions), supervisors, administrative support staff, and the Senior Staff Attorney. Staff attorneys play an important role in supporting the U.S. Judiciary's mission of ensuring equal justice under the law. The Eighth Circuit Office of Staff Attorneys does so by maintaining high standards for the research and written work performed for the Court. While the nature of the work is important and the workload is substantial, the office provides a collegial, collaborative environment, with opportunities for flexible work schedules and teleworking. Location St. Louis, MO Opening and Closing Dates 05/22/2026 - Open Until Filled Appointment Type Permanent Classification Level/Grade CL 29 to CL30 Salary Starting: $87,301 Announcement Number SAO2026-02