The Department of Justice is seeking experienced attorneys for the Office of Information Policy (OIP). OIP manages the responsibilities related to the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), to include coordinating and implementing policy development and compliance for the FOIA, processing FOIA requests for senior leadership, adjudicating administrative appeals from denials by any Department component under the FOIA, and assisting in the defense of certain FOIA matters in litigation.

Duties

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. Job Description: OIP is hiring Attorney-Advisors GS-0905-12, to be assigned to its Administrative Appeals Staff. Your typical work assignments may include the adjudication of administrative appeals from Department components' FOIA determinations. The incumbent will perform varied legal work involving the interpretation and application of laws executive orders, regulations, precedents, and agency practices relating to the FOIA. Specific responsibilities may include: Recommending proposed actions to be taken in the adjudication of administrative FOIA appeals by reviewing the administrative record and evaluating actions taken by Department of Justice components in processing initial FOIA requests; Conducting legal research and providing legal advice to a wide variety of federal agencies involving inquiries and assignments related to the application of FOIA and Privacy Act access laws; Developing a mastery of assigned area(s) of expertise and updating corresponding section(s) of the United States Department of Justice Guide to the Freedom of Information Act; Encouraging FOIA compliance by components of the Department of Justice; Providing instructional training and guidance to various federal Departments regarding compliance with the FOIA; and Providing written and oral legal advice to litigators, or infrequently serving as litigators in defending certain FOIA lawsuits.

Requirements

• Must be a U.S. Citizen or National
• Must complete a Background Investigation to include drug testing
• Selective Service Registration is required, as applicable
• May require completion of one year probationary period
• COVID vaccination status may be requested for the purposes of implementing workplace safety protocols.
• Must be able to obtain and maintain a Top Secret clearance

Qualifications

Required Qualifications: Applicants must possess a J.D. degree, be an active member of the bar in good standing in any State, territory of the United States, or the District of Columbia, and have at least 1 year post J.D. experience, before your start date. (Please note that the time from selection of an applicant to the start date is typically about 3 months.) NOTE: No exceptions can be made regarding the required one year of experience. Examples of specialized experience include: preparing pleadings, briefs, motions, affidavits, and other materials involving legal issues in civil or criminal litigation; independently performing legal analysis; conducting civil or criminal litigation (to include appellate practitioners); trial experience as a prosecutor or defender at the Federal, State, or Local level; analyzing cases or requests for legal sufficiency; and providing expert legal advice and consultation. Applicants must have superior academic and professional credentials as well as exceptional writing and oral communication skills. Applicants must also possess the legal skills and sound judgment necessary to evaluate the sensitive issues that arise in the course of attorney misconduct investigations. The individuals selected for these positions are required to obtain and maintain a Top Secret/SCI security clearance as a condition of employment. Preferred qualifications: It is preferred that applicants have knowledge of and a demonstrated interest in the Freedom of Information Act and have administrative law and/or civil litigation experience. Applicants must be able to qualify for a Top-Secret security clearance.

Education

NOTE: See Qualification Section

Contacts

• Address Office of Information Policy 441 G Street, NW 6th Floor Washington, DC 20530 US
• Name: Laurie Day
• Phone: 202-514-4386
• Email: [email protected]