Legal Careers
Attorney Advisor (Policy Unit)
The Money Laundering and Asset Recovery Section's (MLARS) mission is to take the profit out of crime. As a Criminal Division component, MLARS accomplishes its mission by pursuing criminal prosecutions and forfeiture actions against financial institutions and their officers and employees engaged in money laundering, Bank Secrecy Act, and sanctions violations; and attorneys, financial professionals, and other facilitators or third party money launderers who move money for transnational criminal organizations, particularly cybercriminals and the drug cartels. In addition, MLARS forfeits the proceeds of high-level foreign corruption and prosecutes third party money launderers who move corruption proceeds, through the Kleptocracy Asset Recovery Initiative. MLARS also plays a leadership role in the Department's money laundering and asset forfeiture efforts by assisting Departmental and interagency policymakers by developing legislative, regulatory, and policy initiatives to combat global illicit finance; returning forfeited criminal proceeds to benefit those harmed by crime through remission and restoration processes; distributing forfeited assets to offset the costs to state, local, and foreign law enforcement for partnering with the United States in federal prosecutions; and providing legal and policy assistance and training to federal, state, and local prosecutors and law enforcement personnel, as well as to foreign governments.
In the MLARS Policy Unit, attorney advisors review and develop policy, regulatory, and legislative changes to promote the use of anti-money laundering and forfeiture law enforcement tools to combat organized criminal groups, take the profit out of crime, and further victim compensation, all while ensuring strict adherence to the rule of law, protecting civil liberties, and strengthening our constitutional system.
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.
As an Attorney Advisor in the Policy Unit you will:
- Provide advice and develop written materials regarding national and international policy initiatives, guidance, regulations, and strategies on asset forfeiture and money laundering-related issues;
- Represent MLARS in dealings with the national money laundering and asset recovery community, regulatory community, interagency partners, and state and local partners, as well as in outreach to the private sector;
- Monitor congressional proceedings, statutory developments, and regulatory developments;
- Provide advice on the development of legislative and regulatory initiatives and strategies, prepare positions on proposed legislation and agency rulemaking, and develop responses to congressional and other inquiries on issues within MLARS' area of expertise; and
- Provide advice on planning and content for public appearances, and write and review briefing materials, speeches, and testimony related to asset forfeiture and money laundering issues for Criminal Division leaders, such as the Assistant Attorney General, Deputy Assistant Attorneys General, and the Chief of MLARS.
Required Qualifications: Interested applicants must possess a J.D., or equivalent, degree, be duly licensed and authorized to practice as an attorney under the laws of any State, territory of the United States, or the District of Columbia, and be an active member of the bar in good standing. To qualify at the GS-15 grade level, applicants must have at least four (4) years post J.D. legal experience, one of which was specialized experience at, or equivalent to, the GS-14 grade level. Examples of specialized experience include: independently performing legal analysis; reviewing, analyzing, and developing complex policies and legislation; performing highly complex legislative and legislative history analysis or research; composing pleadings, briefs and other court documents involving unique and/or difficult legal issues in civil or criminal litigation; conducting highly complex civil or criminal litigation; and leading paralegals and support staff.
Preferred Qualifications:
Your qualifications will be further evaluated based upon the following competencies:
- Knowledge of anti-money laundering and asset forfeiture laws, processes, and procedures;
- Ability to draft, analyze, and review legislation relating to law enforcement;
- Ability to analyze, write, and review legal policy in support of legislation, rulemaking, executive orders, and other initiatives; and
- Ability to represent the Section in Department of Justice, interagency, and other committees, groups, and task forces.
The Application Package must be received by 11:59 PM, Eastern Time, on the closing date of this announcement.
Please submit your application through USAJOBS. The list of required documents can be found in the USAJobs announcement.
1. If you do not already have an account, please create a USAjobs account before applying Create an Account. You will be able to upload your resume and supporting documents and complete your profile prior to applying.
2. Once you have an account, apply to the USAjobs vacancy: USAJOBS - Job Announcement
The salary range for this position is $148,484.00 – $176,300.00 per annum, which includes locality pay. See OPM's Web page at https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/pay-leave/salaries-wages/2022…
Department Policies
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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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