Supvy Attorney-Adviser (General Counsel)

The Office of the Pardon Attorney (PARDON) fulfills the duties of the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) in support of the President's clemency power under Article II, § 2 of the Constitution. For over 130 years, the President has relied on the advice and assistance of Attorney General in exercising the clemency power.

Duties

PARDON is seeking an experienced attorney to serve in the role of General Counsel for PARDON, to perform duties, including litigation preparation, , coordination with litigating components of the Department, including General Counsel, Federal Programs, the Civil and Criminal Divisions, and U.S. Attorneys' Offices, to oversee the component's FOIA work, and to provide counsel and guidance to senior component managers on areas of general law and federal requirements. Among other responsibilities, the General Counsel provides high-level counsel and assistance to the Pardon Attorney, Senior Deputy Pardon Attorney and Deputy Pardon Attorney regarding the preparation and dissemination of policy-related guidance on matters of importance and sensitivity. The position will also serve as a first-line supervisor of a team of attorneys and legal support staff, rating overall performance, and assigning special projects to address assessed office needs.

Salary

• $167,603 - $195,200/year

Conditions of Employment

• Must be a U.S. Citizen or National.
• Must complete a Background Investigation to include drug testing.
• Selective Service registration is required for males born on, or after, December 31, 1959. Those not registered should have an approved exemption on file.
• You may be required to complete a one-year supervisory probationary period.
• Must obtain and maintain a Top Secret Security Clearance.
• Proof of law degree, and active bar membership.
• Financial Disclosure: If selected, you may be required to disclose financial information in accordance with DOJ and Federal ethics guidelines.
• Selectee must complete a 2-year trial period.

Qualifications Required Qualifications: Applicants must possess a J.D. degree, be an active member of the bar (any U.S. jurisdiction, and have a minimum of 5 years of post J.D. experience, and be a U.S. citizen.

The work of the General Counsel requires significant attention to detail and the ability to conduct complex legal research and analyses involving regulatory mandates, special initiatives of the Administration, Office of the Attorney General and Office of the Deputy Attorney General. Individuals must perform research on assigned questions of law or policy and prepare reports and memoranda for the use of senior officials of the Department. This position also requires the interpretation of Rules Governing Petitions for Executive Clemency (28 CFR 1.1 et seq.,) and other mission-critical programs of PARDON. A successful candidate will have the ability to manage a significant caseload and work both independently and collaboratively. The Office places a premium on the commitment and ability to prioritize assignments and efficiently produce high-quality work, including substantial, appropriately focused, and well-written work products.

Preferred Qualifications:
Practice experience in federal regulatory, privacy, FOIA, and criminal law, prior federal or administrative litigation experience, - and excellent legal research and writing skills are strongly preferred qualifications. Education Applicants must possess a J.D. degree and be an active member of the bar (any U.S. jurisdiction) Other Information

PARDON is the office designated to carry out this function under the direction of the Deputy Attorney General. PARDON receives petitions for executive clemency, initiates the necessary investigations, and prepares the recommendations for DOJ leadership and the President in the consideration of all forms of executive clemency, including commutation of sentence, pardon, reprieve, remission of fine, and commutation of the penalty of death. For more information about the Office, please visit our Web page at https://www.justice.gov/pardon.

This position is excluded from the bargaining unit.

This and other vacancy announcements can be found under Attorney Vacancies & Volunteer Legal Internships. The Department of Justice cannot control further dissemination and/or posting of information contained in this vacancy announcement. Such posting and/or dissemination is not an endorsement by the Department of the organization or group disseminating and/or posting the information.

Required Documents

Interested candidates should submit all of the following:

1. Cover letter (highlighting relevant experience),
2. Resume (see this USAJOBS Resume Writing Tutorial),
3. Law school transcript, which shows date degree conferred (for application purposes, these can be unofficial).
4. Professional legal writing sample (not to exceed 20 pages),
5. Official certificate showing that the applicant is an active member in good standing of a state bar,
6. Performance appraisal (if a current federal employee) issued within the last 12 months, or if none exists, a statement describing why one is not available, and
7. Copy of your latest SF-50, Notification of Personnel Action (if a current federal employee).

How to Apply

***** If you would like to be considered for the position of Supervisory Attorney Adviser (GS-0905-15), please submit your application to Pardon.AttorneyVacancies@usdoj.gov. Please include "Attorney Adviser" in the subject line.

Benefits

A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Learn more about federal benefits.

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