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. OIP is hiring an Attorney-Advisor GS-0905-12/13/14, to work on its Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) Compliance Staff. The attorney will perform legal, policy, and technical work to support the Office's responsibilities to oversee and encourage government-wide compliance with FOIA. The responsibilities will include interpreting and applying laws, executive orders, regulations, precedents, and agency practices relating to FOIA. The responsibilities will include interpreting and applying laws, executive orders, regulations, precedents, and agency practices relating to FOIA. Specific responsibilities may include: Supporting OIP's work on FOIA and open government efforts, including policy guidance, projects related to FOIA.gov, the Chief FOIA Officers Council, and other initiatives. Working directly with agencies to ensure compliance with the FOIA's statutory reporting obligations. Assisting in the completion of the Department of Justice (DOJ) specific FOIA reporting obligations, which include drafting an Annual FOIA report, Chief FOIA Officers Report, and Litigation and Compliance Report. Reviewing and synthesizing agencies' final Annual and Chief FOIA Officer Reports to draft annual summaries and assessments of agencies' FOIA administration. Reviewing compliance inquiries submitted by the public concerning agencies' FOIA implementation and working directly with the agencies and requesters to resolve issues and provide appropriate guidance. Assisting in managing the Office's websites and social media, including developing and posting web content. Providing instructional training and guidance to various federal agencies regarding compliance with the FOIA. Conducting legal research and providing legal advice involving inquiries and assignments related to the FOIA. Developing a mastery of assigned area(s) of expertise and updating corresponding section(s) of the United States DOJ Guide to the Freedom of Information Act. Maintaining awareness of developments in FOIA and Privacy Act law, regulation, and policy.

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: GS-12: 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 one year post J.D. experience. GS-13: 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 1/2 years of post J.D. experience. GS-14: Applicants must possess a J.D. Degree, be an active member of the bare in good standing in any State, territory of the United States, or the District of Columbia and have at least 2 1/2 years of post J.D. experience. NOTE: No exceptions can be made regarding the required one year of experience. Examples of specialized experience include preparing agencies' FOIA reports and other congressional reports; making policy recommendations; independently performing legal analysis; analyzing cases, requests, or policies for legal sufficiency; and providing expert legal advice and consultations. Preferred qualifications: A knowledge of, and a demonstrated interest in FOIA law and policy. Experience with technology use to support FOIA administration such as FOIA case management systems and e-discovery platforms is also desirable. Applicants should also be detail oriented, have excellent writing, analytical, and interpersonal skills, and have the ability to manage a complex and multifaceted workload. Applicants must be able to qualify for a Top Secret security clearance. You must also be a U.S. Citizen.

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]