Legal Careers
Attorney-Advisor
The United States Marshals Service (USMS) is the nation's oldest and most versatile federal law enforcement agency. The primary responsibility of the USMS is to enforce federal laws and provide support to virtually all elements of the federal justice system by providing for the security of federal court facilities and the safety of judges and other court personnel; apprehending criminals; exercising custody of federal prisoners and providing for their security and transportation to correctional facilities; executing federal court orders; seizing assets gained by illegal means and providing for the custody, management and disposal of forfeited assets; assuring the safety of endangered government witnesses and their families; and collecting and disbursing funds.
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.
The Attorney Advisor for the Office of General Counsel provides direct support and advice to the Director on all administrative and operational matters affecting the United States Marshals Service (USMS). The incumbent serves as the principal legal advisor to the Director, Deputy Director and General Counsel on all legal matters. As the Deputy General Counsel, the incumbent advises on questions of law, regulation, precedent and policy throughout USMS operations for the purpose of preparing opinions, policy and guidelines for effective program operations across all functions within the agency. The incumbent's legal direction and judgments are treated as if given by the General Counsel.
The incumbent serves as the Counsel for Professional Responsibility, providing oversight direction and legal advice for the USMS Office of Professional Responsibility (OPR).
- Provides legal advice and oversight to the OPR, assuring employee compliance with all rules and regulations governing employee professional conduct and activities.
- Meets with the Director and Deputy Director to advise them on all matters pertaining to employee conduct, legal and ethical standards.
- Serves as the principal legal advisor to the Director, Deputy Director, General Counsel and USMS management on all legal, regulatory and policy matters involving prisoner detention and related prisoner operations.
- Advises the Director in the Director's capacity as Federal Detention Trustee in the management of funds appropriated to the Department of Justice (DOJ) for the exercise of any detention functions and the direction of detention policy setting and operations for the DOJ.
- Advises on operations responsible for the safe and secure confinement, care and transportation of Federal prisoners from the time of court-ordered custody until either their acquittal or conviction and delivery to Federal Bureau of Prisons to serve their sentence.
- Provides a focal point for the daily management, coordination and direction of subordinate staff engaged in the various legal, legislative and regulatory activities of the Office of General Counsel.
SERIES & GRADE: ES-0905-00
POSITION INFORMATION: Full-Time - Permanent
WHO MAY APPLY: Applications will be accepted from all groups of qualified individuals within the civil service
SECURITY CLEARANCE: Top Secret/SCI
KEY REQUIREMENTS:
U.S. Citizenship required.
This is a Designated Random Drug Testing position.
Complete Public Financial Disclosure Report before entering on duty.
Complete a one-year SES probationary period (unless already completed).
As a basic requirement for entry into the Senior Executive Service (SES), you must provide evidence of progressively responsible leadership experience that is indicative of senior executive level management capability; and that is directly related to the skills and abilities outlined under the Executive Core Qualifications (ECQs) and Mandatory Technical Qualifications (MTQs).
Mandatory Education Requirement - Applicants must have a J.D. degree, be an active member of the bar (any U.S. jurisdiction) and have at least 1 year post-J.D. legal or other relevant experience.
Executive Core Qualifications (ECQs): Below are specific descriptions of each ECQ. Your responses must clearly and accurately support each of the below competencies. Each ECQ must be addressed separately. Do not incorporate ECQs in your resume. If you do not submit separate narrative responses addressing the ECQs, you will not receive consideration for the position.
All applicants, excluding current and former career SES members and SES Candidate Development Program candidates, must submit written statements. Your narrative responses may not exceed two (2) pages per ECQ.
ECQ 1 - Leading Change: This core qualification involves the ability to bring about strategic change, both within and outside the organization, to meet organizational goals. Inherent to this ECQ is the ability to establish an organizational vision and to implement it in a continuously changing environment.
ECQ 2 - Leading People: This core qualification involves the ability to lead people toward meeting the organization's vision, mission, and goals. Inherent to this ECQ is the ability to provide an inclusive workplace that fosters the development of others, facilitates cooperation and
ECQ 3 - Results Driven: This core qualification involves the ability to meet organizational goals and customer expectations. Inherent to this ECQ is the ability to make decisions that produce high-quality results by applying technical knowledge, analyzing problems, and calculating risks.
ECQ 4 - Business Acumen: This core qualification involves the ability to manage human, financial, and information resources strategically.
ECQ 5 - Building Coalitions: This core qualification involves the ability to build coalitions internally and with other Federal agencies, State and local governments, nonprofit and private sector organizations, foreign governments, or international organizations to achieve common goals.
Fundamental Competencies: These competencies are the foundation for success in each of the Executive Core Qualifications: Interpersonal Skills, Oral Communication, Integrity/Honesty, Written Communication, Continual Learning, and Public Service Motivation.
Mandatory Technical Qualifications (MTQs) - Please include information on the scope and complexity of your experience in MTQ 1 and MTQ 2 listed below. Each MTQ is limited to two pages. Do not incorporate MTQs in your resume. If you do not submit separate narrative responses addressing each MTQ, you will not receive consideration for the position.
MTQ 1 - Experience that demonstrates knowledge of all Federal ethics regulations, Office of Government Ethics guidance, employee conduct regulations, Merit Systems Protection Board, Equal Employment Opportunity Commission requirements and case law, Office of the Inspector General and Federal disciplinary procedures and proceedings.
MTQ 2 - Experience that demonstrates knowledge and leadership in providing legal policy advice on Federal procurement law, Office of Management and Budget requirements, Federal budget process, Intergovernmental Agreements, Federal appropriations law and other relevant legal authorities relating to government procurement.
Mandatory Licensure Requirement - Applicants must be an active member in good standing of the bar of any state, the District of Columbia or the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico. PROOF OF LICENSURE MUST BE UPLOADED WITH YOUR APPLICATION. APPLICANTS WHO DO NOT PROVIDE PROOF, WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED FOR THE POSITION.
If applicable, the selectee will be required to undergo a suitability review conducted by the Office of Attorney Recruitment and Management.
HOW YOU WILL BE EVALUATED:
Your experience/competencies must be clearly reflected in the ECQs and MTQs or you may be eliminated from the highly qualified status and/or result in non-referral. An SES rating and ranking panel will evaluate your application based on the quality and extent of your total accomplishments and experience. Applicants determined to be highly qualified may undergo an interview and a reference check. If selected, your ECQs must be certified by an Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Qualifications Review Board, unless you are a current SES executive or have successfully participated in an OPM approved SES Candidate Development Program. You must receive certification before you can be appointed to the position. We recommend you preview the ECQs and MTQs outlined in this announcement before you start the application process.
BENEFITS:
The Department of Justice offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes, in part, paid vacation; sick leave; holidays; telework; life insurance; health benefits; and participation in the Federal Employees Retirement System. This link provides an overview of the benefits currently offered to Federal employees: https://help.usajobs.gov/index.php/Main_Page
OTHER INFORMATION:
Mandatory Licensure Requirement - Applicants must be an active member in good standing of the bar of any state, the District of Columbia or the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico. PROOF OF LICENSURE MUST BE SUBMITTED WITH YOUR APPLICATION. APPLICANTS WHO DO NOT PROVIDE PROOF, WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED FOR THE POSITION.
If applicable, the selectee will undergo a suitability review conducted by the Office of Attorney Recruitment and Management.
OPM's Guide to Senior Executive Service Qualifications can assist you in writing an effective SES application. In particular, please note the Challenge-Context-Action-Result Model that is recommended and very helpful when drafting ECQ narrative responses. The Guide is available on OPM's Website at: http://www.opm.gov/ses/references/guidetoSESQuals_2012.pdf
Selective Service: If you are a male applicant born after December 31, 1959, you must certify that you have registered with the Selective Service System, or are exempt from having to do so under the Selective Service Law. See www.sss.gov.
To begin the process, click the Apply Online button to create an account or login to your existing USAJOBS account. Follow the prompts to select your USAJOBS resume and/or other supporting documents and complete the occupational questionnaire. Please ensure you click the Submit My Answers button at the end of the process. It is your responsibility to ensure your responses and appropriate documentation is submitted prior to the closing date. Please refer to the USAJOBS link for detailed information:
REQUIRED DOCUMENTS:
IMPORTANT NOTE: Applicants will not be considered if all required/applicable documentation is not submitted at the time of application.
- RESUME - Showing relevant experience and education. You may submit an Optional Form 612, Optional Application for Federal Employment or a resume. There are minimum requirements for resume content which are prescribed in Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Pamphlet OF-510, "Applying for Federal Jobs." Copies of this publication are available in most Federal agencies. Important Note: Please do not include photos in your application package.
- QUESTIONNAIRE - Complete and submit responses to online questionnaire.
- WRITTEN NARRATIVE RESPONSES TO EXECUTIVE CORE QUALIFICATIONS AND MANDATORY TECHNICAL QUALIFICATIONS - Submit a separate written narrative addressing each ECQ and MTQ outlined in the announcement. No more than two pages for each element will be accepted. Please address each ECQ and MTQ individually.
- MANDATORY EDUCATION: Proof of a J.D. degree from a law school accredited by the American Bar Association must be submitted with your application.
- MANDATORY LICENSURE: Proof of licensure must be submitted with your application.
- SF-50 - Current/former federal employees must submit a SF-50 which reflects the most recent position, title, series and grade. Current career SES and SES reinstatement eligibles must submit a SF-50 that reflects career SES status.
- PERFORMANCE APPRAISAL-Issued within past 12 mos. If one does not exist, please submit a statement to that affect.
- CANDIDATE DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM CERTIFICATE (if applicable) - Individuals who have successfully completed an OPM approved SES Candidate Development Program must submit a copy of the OPM certificate with their application.
FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:
Grace Adams-Johnson
Phone: (202) 307-5250
Email: grace.adams-johnson@usdoj.gov
DEADLINE DATE:
To be considered for this position, you must submit a complete application package. All materials MUST BE RECEIVED BY 11:59 p.m. EST, Tuesday, June 7, 2016 to be considered. Please follow the instructions listed below for submitting the Occupational Questionnaire, Resume and other Required Documents. Please read all instructions before you begin. You are solely responsible for the delivery of your materials. We cannot be responsible for incompatible software, illegible fax transmissions, etc.
WHAT TO EXPECT NEXT:
Once your completed application is received, we will conduct an evaluation of your qualifications and determine your ranking. The most highly qualified candidates will be referred to the hiring manager for further consideration and possible interview. You will be notified of the outcome.
This and other attorney vacancy announcements can be found at http://www.justice.gov/oarm/attvancancies.html
This vacancy announcement is also posted on the USAJobs website at https://www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/434869500
SECURITY REQUIREMENTS:
Initial appointment is conditional upon a satisfactory pre-employment adjudication. This includes fingerprint and credit and tax checks, and drug testing. In addition, continued employment is subject to the favorable adjudication of a Background investigation.
$123,175 to $185,100 / Per Year
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Department Policies
Equal Employment Opportunity: The U.S. Department of Justice is an Equal Opportunity/Reasonable Accommodation Employer. Except where otherwise provided by law, there will be no discrimination because of race, color, religion, national origin, sex - including gender identity, sexual orientation, or pregnancy status - or because of age (over 40), physical or mental disability, protected genetic information, parental status, marital status, political affiliation, or any other non-merit based factor. The Department of Justice welcomes and encourages applications from persons with physical and mental disabilities. The Department is firmly committed to satisfying its affirmative obligations under the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, to ensure that persons with disabilities have every opportunity to be hired and advanced on the basis of merit within the Department of Justice. For more information, please review our full EEO Statement.
Reasonable Accommodations: This agency provides reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities where appropriate. If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process, please notify the agency. Determinations on requests for reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis.
Outreach and Recruitment for Qualified Applicants with Disabilities: The Department encourages qualified applicants with disabilities, including individuals with targeted/severe disabilities to apply in response to posted vacancy announcements. Qualified applicants with targeted/severe disabilities may be eligible for direct hire, non-competitive appointment under Schedule A (5 C.F.R. § 213.3102(u)) hiring authority. Individuals with disabilities are encouraged to contact one of the Department’s Disability Points of Contact (DPOC) to express an interest in being considered for a position. See list of DPOCs.
Suitability and Citizenship: 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. Employment is also contingent upon the completion and satisfactory adjudication of a background investigation. Congress generally prohibits agencies from employing non-citizens within the United States, except for a few narrow exceptions as set forth in the annual Appropriations Act (see, https://www.usajobs.gov/Help/working-in-government/non-citizens/). Pursuant to DOJ component policies, only U.S. citizens are eligible for employment with the Executive Office for Immigration Review, U.S. Trustee’s Offices, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Unless otherwise indicated in a particular job advertisement, qualifying non-U.S. citizens meeting immigration and appropriations law criteria may apply for employment with other DOJ organizations. However, please be advised that the appointment of non-U.S. citizens is extremely rare; such appointments would be possible only if necessary to accomplish the Department's mission and would be subject to strict security requirements. Applicants who hold dual citizenship in the U.S. and another country will be considered on a case-by-case basis. All DOJ employees are subject to a residency requirement. Candidates must have lived in the United States for at least three of the past five years. The three-year period is cumulative, not necessarily consecutive. Federal or military employees, or dependents of federal or military employees serving overseas, are excepted from this requirement. This is a Department security requirement which is waived only for extreme circumstances and handled on a case-by-case basis.
Veterans: There is no formal rating system for applying veterans' preference to attorney appointments in the excepted service; however, the Department of Justice considers veterans' preference eligibility as a positive factor in attorney hiring. Applicants eligible for veterans' preference must include that information in their cover letter or resume and attach supporting documentation (e.g., the DD 214, Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty and other supporting documentation) to their submissions. Although the "point" system is not used, per se, applicants eligible to claim 10-point preference must submit Standard Form (SF) 15, Application for 10-Point Veteran Preference, and submit the supporting documentation required for the specific type of preference claimed (visit the OPM website, www.opm.gov/forms/pdf_fill/SF15.pdf for a copy of SF 15, which lists the types of 10-point preferences and the required supporting document(s). Applicants should note that SF 15 requires supporting documentation associated with service- connected disabilities or receipt of nonservice-connected disability pensions to be dated 1991 or later except in the case of service members submitting official statements or retirement orders from a branch of the Armed Forces showing that their retirement was due to a permanent service-connected disability or that they were transferred to the permanent disability retired list (the statement or retirement orders must indicate that the disability is 10% or more).
USAO Residency Requirement: Assistant United States Attorneys must reside in the district to which appointed or within 25 miles thereof. See 28 U.S.C. 545 for district specific information.
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This and other vacancy announcements can be found under Attorney Vacancies and 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.