Department of Justice (DOJ) agencies post experienced attorney job announcements on the DOJ Careers page. The DOJ typically hires hundreds of attorneys each year.
Duties
The Diversion Law Section works with investigators across the country to bring administrative enforcement actions against individuals and companies in the pharmaceutical industry who handle controlled substances in a manner inconsistent with federal regulations; provides legal guidance relating to the Controlled Substances Act (CSA); litigates complex matters in administrative court and coordinates parallel criminal and civil proceedings; provides legal guidance in the promulgation of regulations; reviews legislative proposals; and provides training to DEA personnel in this area of law. Attorneys in the Diversion Law Section may engage in litigation activities, legal review activities, or both. For litigation attorneys, duties also include: Representing the DEA in administrative hearings and civil litigation regarding license revocations, denials, suspensions, regulatory violations, or revocation of DEA Registrations for doctors, pharmacies, distributors, and manufacturers. Providing legal advice on the enforcement of the CSA and the Chemical Diversion and Trafficking Act. Working with DEA Special Agents, Diversion Investigators, federal/state law enforcement, and prosecutors on criminal, civil, and administrative cases. Advising Diversion Investigators and Special Agents on civil and regulatory issues during active investigations and drafting charging documents. For legal review attorneys, duties also include: Serving as legal advisor on all issues related to the diversion of controlled substances and listed chemicals into illegitimate channels. Advising DEA on its authorities under the CSA, including drug and chemical control, drug scheduling actions, and quotas. Reviewing and providing legal advice on relevant legislation and agency policies. Reviewing rules, regulations, and notices relating to the legitimate handling of controlled substances and listed chemicals, and evaluating them for compliance with the requirements of federal statutes including the CSA and the Administrative Procedure Act.
Salary
Qualifications
All qualification requirements must be met by the closing date of this announcement. All applicants must be an active member of a bar in good standing (any U.S. jurisdiction) and possess: 1) a J.D. degree (or equivalent) and have at least 2-year post-J.D. (or equivalent) legal or other relevant experience; 2) excellent academic credentials; 3) strong oral and written advocacy skills; 4) superior legal research and analytical skills; and 5) a demonstrated ability to function with minimal guidance in a highly demanding environment. Preferred Experience: Expertise in the Controlled Substances Act is preferred. For litigating attorneys, experience in litigation and regulatory compliance is highly preferred. For legal review attorneys, extensive knowledge of the Administrative Procedure Act is required and knowledge of the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act (FDCA) or training and experience in scientific areas such as biochemistry or pharmacology is highly desirable but not required. To qualify for each GS Level: Applicants applying for the GS-13 must have 2 or more years of post J.D. litigation, APA legal experience, and/or a judicial clerkship(s). Experience with narcotics prosecutions or the Controlled Substance Act is preferred. Applicants applying for the GS-14 must have 3 or more years of post J.D. litigation, APA legal experience, and/or a judicial clerkship(s). Substantial experience with narcotics prosecutions or the Controlled Substance Act is preferred. Applicants should also have significant courtroom experience and/or advising leadership on legal or policy matters. Applicants applying for the GS-15 must have 4 or more years of post J.D. litigation, APA legal experience, and/or a judicial clerkship(s). Substantial experience with narcotics prosecutions or the Controlled Substance Act is preferred. Applicants should also have extensive first chair experience leading litigation teams and/or advising senior leadership on complex legal or policy matters.
Education
A J.D. degree from a law school accredited by the American Bar Association. 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 these criteria, see www.ed.gov. Education completed in foreign colleges or universities may be used to meet the 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 provide such evidence when applying. For a list of accredited organizations recognized as specializing in interpretation of foreign education credentials, visit: www.naces.org/members.php.
Required Documents
All required documents listed below, that are applicable to you, must be submitted to our automated system by 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time (ET) on the closing date of this announcement. Required for ALL Applicants Resume - must be no more than two pages in length; resumes exceeding two pages will be removed from consideration. Resume should include applicants' name, email address, phone number, relevant work/volunteer experience, education and training. Include the start and end dates (from month/year to month/year), work schedule (e.g. part or full-time), the number of hours per week worked/volunteered, job title and description of duties performed. Education/Certification/Licensure when relevant or required for position. See Guidance for Applicants on 2-Page Resume and visit the USAJOBS Help Center for more information. Transcripts: An unofficial transcript containing a full listing of courses, credit earned, grade and grade point-average, subject area, degree(s) earned, and dates of award. Note: If you are selected for this position, official transcripts will be required prior to your first day. Writing Sample: A brief or comparable analytic legal exposition that is your work product. (No more than 10 pages) Proof of current and active Bar Association Membership. SF-50 (If Applicable) - SF-50(s) must show the effective date, position title, series, grade, salary, tenure, competitive status, position occupied, full promotion potential, and name of agency. Cover Letter Agency and Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program (CTAP and ICTAP) Eligibles, if applicable: View information about CTAP and ICTAP eligibility on OPM's Career Transition Resources website. You must be rated in the Highly-Qualified category for this position and submit the supporting documents listed below to receive consideration for selection priority). (e.g. Certification of Expected Separation, Reduction-In-Force Separation Notice, or Notice of Proposed Removal; SF-50 that documents the RIF separation action; and most recent performance appraisal.) Veterans' Preference documentation, if applicable: The Category Rating Process does not add veterans' preference points but protects the rights of veterans by placing them ahead of non-preference eligibles within each category. Preference eligibles who meet the minimum qualification requirements and have a compensable service-connected disability of at least 10 percent or higher will be listed in the highest quality category (except in the case of scientific or professional positions at the GS-09 level or higher). To claim 5-point preference, submit a copy of your DD-214 Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty. To claim 10-point preference, submit the SF-15 (Application for 10-Point Veteran Preference) AND all required documentation outlined on the form to support your claim (e.g., DD-214, official statement from the Department of Veterans Affairs, etc.). If we cannot verify your 10-point preference claim, your application will be reviewed for 5-point preference. To claim 10-point derived preference (i.e., spouses, widows, widowers or mothers of veterans), submit a completed SF-15 and all required documentation listed on the SF-15 to support your claim. To claim 0-point Sole Survivorship preference, submit a copy of your DD-214 or another form of official documentation showing that your discharge or release from active duty occurred on or after August 29, 2008 and was based on a sole survivorship discharge. For all preference claims: DD-214 must show the dates of service, type of discharge, and any qualifying service campaign medals. If you are currently on active duty and applying based on eligibility under the Veterans Opportunity to Work (VOW) Act, you must provide a certification on letterhead from your military branch which contains your military service dates, expected date of discharge or release, and the character of service to show that your military service was performed under honorable conditions. The expected date of discharge or release must be no later than 120 days after the certification is submitted for consideration for this vacancy announcement. For more veterans' preference information, visit the USAJOBS Help Center.
How to Apply
Please read the entire announcement and all the instructions before you begin an application. To apply and be considered for this position, you must complete all required questionnaires, assessments and submit all required documentation as specified in the How to Apply and Required Documents section. The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (ET) on the closing date of the announcement to receive consideration. The application process is as follows: STEP 1: Select the "Apply" button and follow the instructions to register or sign into USAJOBS. STEP 2: Submit your resume. Resume must not exceed two pages. Please see the Required Documents section for specific information that should be outlined in your resume. STEP 3: Complete the online assessment questions. STEP 4: Submit all required documentation applicable to you, as listed in the Required Documents section. Alternate Application Procedures: If applying online poses an extreme hardship, you may request alternate application procedures to submit your application package. Contact the Human Resources office listed on the announcement between the business hours of 8:15 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. ET at least 2 working days prior to the closing date of this announcement. The application package for alternate application procedures must be submitted and received in the Human Resources office no later than 11:59 p.m. ET on the closing date of this announcement. Paper applications and information sent by mail will not be accepted.
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