The Money Laundering and Asset Recovery Section (MLARS) leads the Department's anti-money laundering enforcement and asset forfeiture efforts. The incumbent of this position serves as the Senior Legal Counsel to the Chief of MLARS.

Duties

The Senior Legal Counsel: Provides guidance and input on the wide array of legal and policy questions decided by the Chief of MLARS in the Chief's role as principal policy maker and legal advisor for the Asset Forfeiture Program; provides expert counsel and advice on the most complex forfeiture and money laundering matters to senior Department officials. Consults with the Section Chief, the Deputy Assistant Attorney General, and the Assistant Attorney General concerning legal and policy questions relating to statutes administered by the Section and the status of important cases and initiatives; reviews a large volume of general correspondence, legal opinions, authorizations, instructions, and advisory materials that emanate from the Section; upon request, prepares testimony for congressional committees. Assists or shares responsibility with the Section Chief, the Principal Deputy Chief and others, as required, in reviewing and planning all policy activities within the Section and implementing the Department's strategic planning for asset forfeiture and money laundering. This includes: proposing and reviewing legislative initiatives and Department policies regarding asset forfeiture, money laundering, and the Bank Secrecy Act; assessing the implications of proposed legislation on investigative operations; improving procedures for oversight over and assistance to the U.S. Attorneys' Offices forfeiture litigation; providing legal advice, training, and guidance on specialized aspects of money laundering, asset forfeiture, and the Bank Secrecy Act to the U.S. Attorneys' Offices and investigative agencies. Provides counsel on legal issues emanating from the investigation or prosecution of complex money laundering cases, asset forfeiture cases, and cases involving financial institutions, including where necessary and appropriate: reviewing proposed court orders and motions; rendering advice as to strategy and evidence problems; reviewing pleadings, dispositive motions, and appellate briefs; and supervising, counseling, and advising attorneys in the legal issues present in their cases. Serves as the Section's liaison with the Office of the Solicitor General, Criminal Appellate, and the appellate sections of other litigating divisions. As necessary, reviews and opines on draft briefs, helps moot Department advocates in advance of precedent setting oral arguments, and provides Section input as needed on the most sensitive and complicated legal issues facing the money laundering and asset forfeiture programs. In close coordination with the Section Chief and the Principal Deputy Chief, and as necessary, participates in public conferences, seminars, and meetings to promote the Section's mission and represents the Section in the interagency setting. Demonstrates a strong commitment and support for the Division's equal employment policies and programs to enhance workforce diversity; promotes merit promotion principles in all aspects of personnel hiring, promotions, training and development and employee retention. 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; have at least seven (7) years of legal experience; possess a high degree of professional skill and a sophisticated understanding of the legal principles and technical aspects of money laundering and asset forfeiture; and have excellent writing and communication skills.

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 Money Laundering and Asset Recovery Section c/o Human Resources 1400 New York Avenue NW, Suite 600 Washington, DC 20004 US
• Name: Sydney Tavares
• Phone: (202) 514-0030
• Email: [email protected]