The Torts Branch is seeking a Trial Attorney for its Federal Tort Claims Act (FTCA) Section. The FTCA Section handles a wide variety of complex, and often controversial, suits filed against the United States under the FTCA. These suits arise from, among other conduct, the provision of medical care at federal facilities or community health centers, federal regulatory activities, law enforcement and immigration enforcement, and management of federal lands.

Duties

This vacancy presents an opportunity for experienced trial attorneys who want to defend the United States in complex, often high dollar value cases. Trial attorneys in the FTCA Section handle personal injury, wrongful death, and property damage suits arising from activities of federal employees acting within the scope of their federal employment. FTCA Section attorneys frequently handle large or complex cases of national significance. They also provide guidance on complex legal issues in suits handled by USAOs and on administrative claims pending with federal agencies, make recommendations on whether settlements proposed by federal agencies and USAOs should be authorized, and prepare appeal recommendations on adverse judgments in FTCA cases. Examples of law enforcement matters handled by the FTCA Section include cases arising from mass shootings, suits involving alleged FBI misconduct, suits brought by individuals detained in immigration custody, and responses to protests and riots. The Section also defends the United States in complex litigation stemming from catastrophic natural disasters. Further, the FTCA Section handles complex medical malpractice suits with medical causation issues in which high damages awards are sought. The Section provides guidance to U.S. Attorney's Offices (USAOs) and federal agencies on a variety of legal issues and advises in the development of strategy. The FTCA Section provides appeal recommendations on adverse FTCA judgments, including for cases handled by USAOs. The Section also reviews draft legislation that may have an impact on the public fisc. It is responsible for the adjustment and settlement of administrative claims arising out of the conduct of employees of the Department of Justice (DOJ), and for approving administrative settlements of claims arising out of the activities of all other Federal agencies which are in excess of the settlement authority delegated to those agencies. Finally, the FTCA Section provides recommendations to the Assistant Attorney General in charge of the Civil Division concerning requests for authority to consummate all settlements of tort claims that require the approval of the Assistant Attorney General or Associate General.

Requirements

• Must be a U.S. Citizen or National
• You will be required to complete a pre-employment security investigation and background check which includes a drug screening.
• Selective Service Registration is required, as applicable
• May require completion of a fourteen month trial period, subject to extension, pending the completion and adjudication of your background check.
• Must be able to obtain and maintain a Top Secret security clearance with eligibility for Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI) access depending on organizational assignment / duty location.
• It is the policy of the Department to achieve a drug-free workplace and persons selected for employment will be required to pass a drug test which screens for illegal drug use prior to final appointment.
• Financial Disclosure: If selected, you will be required to disclose financial information in accordance with DOJ and Federal ethics guidelines.
• Upon conversion to a permanent appointment with the Department, all Department attorneys are subject to a two-year trial period.

Qualifications

Applicants must possess a J.D. degree, be duly licensed and authorized to practice as an attorney under the laws of any state, territory of the United States, the District of Columbia, or the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, and be an active member of a bar in good standing. Applicants should have excellent writing, negotiation, and interpersonal skills, exhibit good judgment, and have a strong interest in litigation. You must also be a U.S. citizen. Applicants must have at least: one and a half years of post J.D. experience to qualify at the GS-13 level; two and a half years of post J.D. experience to qualify at the GS-14 level; and four years of post J.D. experience to qualify at the GS-15 level. Ideal candidates will have: Post-JD litigation experience in federal courts. Excellent research and writing skills, as well as experience presenting oral arguments. Substantial firsthand experience handling complex litigation. Demonstrated ability to handle all phases of discovery, including working with expert witnesses. Excellent analytical ability and the capacity to articulate critical issues in a wide variety of cases. The ability to work well on individual projects and on team projects. A demonstrated record of being able to balance a diverse and constantly changing workload and the ability to set priorities appropriately.

Education

All academic degrees and coursework must be completed at a college or university that has obtained accreditation or pre-accreditation status from an accrediting body recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. For a list of schools that meet this criteria, see www.ed.gov.

OR

Education completed in foreign colleges or universities may be used to meet the above education requirements if you can show that the foreign education is comparable to that received in an accredited educational institution in the United States. It is your responsibility to timely provide such evidence by submitting proof of creditability of education as evaluated by a credentialing agency with your application materials. More information may be found at https://www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ous/international/usnei/us/edlite-visitus-forrecog.html.

All documentation must be in English or include an English translation. https://www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ous/international/usnei/us/edlite-visitus-forrecog.html.

Contacts

• Address Civil Division 1100 L Street, NW Washington, DC 20530 US
• Name: Janet Lucci
• Phone: 202-532-3894
• Email: [email protected]