Trial Attorney (Constitutional Torts Staff)

Summary

The Constitutional Torts Staff seeks attorneys to defend federal officials who face individual-capacity litigation for actions they took on behalf of the United States. Trial Attorneys in the office personally represent both line-level and high-level officials facing potential personal exposure for carrying out law enforcement and other activities on behalf of the United States. Given the scope of individual-capacity litigation, the office's work touches on many areas of government.

Duties

• As a Constitutional Torts Staff Trial Attorney, you would: Represent in their personal capacity federal officials who are defendants in civil litigation and other matters brought against them in their individual capacity. Prepare motions, briefs, and other documents on the basis of factual and legal research. Conduct discovery. Prepare for and conduct hearings, settlement negotiations, and trials. Review and analyze facts and assist in the development of evidence during the preparation of cases. Receive instruction from the Assistant Director, Deputy Director, and Director as to the policy of the Department in related litigation. Apply the applicable legal principles to a given statement of facts; examine witnesses; consult with more senior attorneys in planning trial strategy for their cases. Work with opposing counsel in the formulation of settlements in consultation with more senior attorneys in the office. Discuss legal and policy questions related to statuses administered by the Section with more senior attorneys. Prepare memoranda that apply relevant statutory and regulatory authority and evaluate legal, factual, and policy considerations. Report on the status of cases and matters related to legal issues within the assigned area of litigation with the Assistant Director, Deputy Director, and Director, as appropriate. Work to establish personal contacts; work closely with officials and employees of the Division on litigation and policy-related matters. May assist with responses to inquiries from the White House, Congress, federal departments and agencies, state and local authorities, and private individuals on matters within the scope of assigned statutory responsibilities. As requested, perform special legal and administrative projects requiring legal experience and sound judgement.

Qualifications

Applicants must possess a J.D. Degree (or equivalent), be an active member in good standing of the bar (any U.S. jurisdiction), be a U.S. citizen. The minimum years of post-law degree experience commensurate with the grade level of eligibility is shown below. Possessing the minimum post law degree legal experience does not guarantee the applicant will be selected at that grade level. GS-13 - minimum 1.5 years post-JD legal experience GS-14 - minimum 2.5 years post-JD legal experience GS-15 - minimum 4 years post-JD legal experience Preferred qualifications: Applicants should be outstanding writers, have strong interpersonal skills, exhibit good judgment, and have an interest in litigation. Experience with federal court motions practice is preferred. The ideal candidate would be interested in developing expertise in all and have experience in at least one of the following areas: dealing with individual clients; asserting personal defenses by way of a dispositive motion; handling discovery; or preparing cases for trial. Applicants should enjoy working independently and as part of a team, feel comfortable in varied federal courtroom settings, and enjoy occasional travel. Applicants must exhibit the ability to work in a supportive and professional manner with clients, staff, attorney supervisors, and Department officials. Trial Period Statement As a condition of employment for accepting this position in accordance with section 11.5 of Executive Order 14284, you will be required to serve a 2-year trial period during which we will evaluate your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest. In determining if your employment advances the public interest, we may consider: your performance and conduct; the needs and interests of the agency; whether your continued employment would advance organizational goals of the agency or the Government; and whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service. Upon completion of your trial period your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest.

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://www.ed.gov/about/initiatives/international-affairs/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications All documentation must be in English or include an English translation.