Job opening: Trial Attorney (FOIA/PA Unit)
Salary: $132 368 - 183 500 per year
Published at: Sep 06 2023
Employment Type: Full-time
The Office of Enforcement Operations (OEO) provides investigative and prosecutorial support, legal advice, and statutorily required review and approval in almost 40 distinct subject areas. The Office also processes all requests for Criminal Division records made pursuant to the Freedom of Information and Privacy Acts, and assists U.S. Attorneys' Offices in advocating the Division's position in civil litigation filed under these statutes.
Duties
The incumbent will serve as a Trial Attorney in the FOIA/Privacy Act Unit. Duties include:
Assists Unit Chief and Deputy Chief in processing of Division records, requested pursuant to the FOIA or PA, and ensure searches and processing are conducted in accordance with applicable laws, regulations, policies, and procedures.
Assists in preparation of pleadings and in the defense of the Criminal Division in litigation brought under the FOIA/PA.
Provide direction to staff by providing technical direction when needed. Plan and assign work to subordinates, evaluate work performance, provide advice and instruction to staff, and make recommendations to the Chief and Deputy Chief on training needs.
Review Division records located as a result of FOIA or PA requests and have first-line responsibility for determining whether these records should be released in full, in part, or withheld. Recommend whether or not a document should be classified or declassified in whole or in part.
Make recommendations to supervisors in presenting the Division's views to reviewing official where an appeal from the Division's initial FOIA or PA determination is being challenged by way of an administrative appeal within the Department. Ensure that any subsequent release of Division information is properly coordinated within the Division.
Assists in the establishment of Division policy. As appropriate, comment on, or initiate regulations, and prepare or supervise the preparation of Division directives relating to the application and implementation of the FOIA and/or PA. Assist in the preparation of new PA systems of records for Division components, and work with components to ensure their publication in the Federal Register.
Assists in the preparation of statistical reports for both the Congress and internal use to reflect Division's activities under FOIA and PA during each fiscal year.
As the federal agency whose mission is to ensure the fair and impartial administration of justice for all Americans, the Department of Justice is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive work environment. To build and retain a workforce that reflects the diverse experiences and perspectives of the American people, we welcome applicants from the many communities, identities, races, ethnicities, backgrounds, abilities, religions, and cultures of the United States who share our commitment to public service.
Requirements
- You must be a U.S. Citizen to qualify for this position.
- You must undergo a pre-employment security investigation.
- All male applicants born after 12/31/1959 must have registered for the selective service. If selected, the applicant must sign a statement certifying his registration, or the applicant must demonstrate exempt status under the Selective Service Law.
- DIRECT DEPOSIT: All Federal employees are required to have Federal salary payments made by direct deposit to a financial institution of their choosing.
- You must meet all qualification requirements by the closing date of this announcement.
Qualifications
Required Qualifications: Interested applicants must possess a J.D., or equivalent, degree, be duly licensed and authorized to practice as an attorney under the laws of any State, territory of the United States, or the District of Columbia, and be an active member of the bar in good standing.
Grade Specific Qualifications:
To qualify at the GS-14 grade level, applicants must have at least two and a half (2.5) years post J.D. legal experience, one of which was specialized experience at, or equivalent to, the GS-13 grade level. Examples of specialized experience include: performing legal analysis and formulating recommendations to senior managers; composing pleadings, briefs, and other court documents involving legal issues in civil or criminal litigation; and conducting civil or criminal litigation.
To qualify at the GS-15 grade level, applicants must have at least four (4) years post J.D. legal experience, one of which was specialized experience at, or equivalent to, the GS-14 grade level. Examples of specialized experience include: independently performing legal analysis; composing pleadings, briefs and other court documents involving unique and/or difficult legal issues in civil or criminal litigation; conducting highly complex civil or criminal litigation; and leading paralegals and support staff.
Preferred Qualifications:
Prior substantive legal experience relevant to the position, such as planning and organizing civil litigation, handling e-discovery, policy work, and/or conducting training. Direct experience related to FOIA, Privacy Act, or other federal information law matters is a strong plus.
Education
A J.D., or equivalent, degree.
Applicants who possess an equivalent degree rather than a J.D. may be subject to additional review by the Office of Attorney Recruitment and Management.
Contacts
- Address Office of Enforcement Operations
c/o Human Resources
1400 New York Avenue NW, Suite 600
Washington, DC 20004
US
- Name: Human Resources
- Phone: (202) 514-0361
- Email: [email protected]
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