The United States Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Court employs attorneys, called Legal Advisors, to assist the Judges of the Court in considering applications presented by the U.S. government for authority to conduct electronic surveillance, physical search or other forms of intelligence gathering pursuant to the United States Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act. The Legal Advisors also advise Judges on legal issues presented in applications or that are otherwise before the Court.
Conduct initial review of government applications for authorization to employ various means of obtaining foreign intelligence pursuant to the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act and advise Judges on legal issues presented in applications or that are otherwise before the Court. The Court invites applications from attorneys with at least eight years of legal work experience, including at least one year equivalent to work at the JSP-15 (equivalent to the GS-15) level. The Court is particularly interested in individuals who have an expertise in national security law, constitutional law, privacy, or communications technology and the law. Litigation or judicial clerkship experience is desirable. To be considered, an applicant must be a licensed attorney, a member in good standing of the bar of at least one jurisdiction, and possess a current security clearance, preferably Top Secret/SCI.
Conduct initial review of government applications for authorization to employ various means of obtaining foreign intelligence pursuant to the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act and advise Judges on legal issues presented in applications or that are otherwise before the Court.