Staff Attorney's Office

Pursuant to 28 U.S.C. § 715, the Chief Judge, with approval of the Court, may appoint a Senior Staff Attorney, who, with the approval of the Chief Judge, may appoint necessary staff attorneys and support staff. The Senior Staff Attorney is the director of the Staff Attorney's Office.
 
The Staff Attorney's Office assists the Court by conducting research into specific areas of law as determined by the Court, and communicates its work product to the Court by way of written memoranda of law. This work encompasses both substantive and procedural issues. The substantive areas of the law include, but are not limited to: (1) direct criminal appeals involving sentencing and guilt/innocence issues, (2) collateral attacks on criminal convictions by state and federal prisoners, (3) civil rights suits under 42 U.S.C. § 1983, (4) employment discrimination appeals,    (5) immigration appeals, and (6) social security appeals.
 
Additionally, a specialized team within the office assists the Court in the initial review of all appeals for the purpose of determining jurisdiction. Another specialized team presents substantive motions to the Court, including motions for in forma pauperis status, certificates of appealability, transcripts at government expense, and withdrawal/substitution of counsel.  Finally, a specialized team tracks legal issues as they develop in the U.S. Supreme Court and the Eleventh Circuit.
 
While all Court employees serve "at the pleasure of the Court," staff attorneys generally are appointed for two-year terms.
 

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