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Legal Careers

National Security Coordination and Litigation Unit Chief/Supervisory Attorney-Advisor

Hiring Organization
Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)
Hiring Office
Office of General Counsel (OGC)
Job ID
Job ID: 43683
Location:
935 Pennsylvania Avenue NW
Washington, DC 20535 - United States
Application Deadline:
About the Office

NSCLU is part of the Strategic and Sensitive Information Litigation Section (SSILS), Litigation Branch, Office of the General Counsel. The mission of SSILS is to ensure transparency and accountability while preventing harm to the FBI's national security and law enforcement mission. These two objectives go hand-in-hand; they are not contradictory. The Section appropriately supports the disclosure of information to the public under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) and to Congress for its legitimate oversight funtion. At the same time, we vigorously guard against the inappropriate disclosure of classified or sensitive FBI information because of the substantial harm that such disclosure can cause. Invoking privileges and otherwise limiting access through protective orders or other safeguards is essential to preserving the integrity of investigations and the safety of others, including FBI personnel, sources and victims of crimes. In accordance with this mission, the Unit Chief of NSCLU will lead the team of attorneys and professional staff responsible for protecting the FBI's national security equities in civil lawsuits across multiple jurisdictions. Often, NSCLU attorneys represent the FBI in litigation focused on demands for FBI national security information. Other times, NSCLU attorneys work to prevent the disclosure of classified or other sensitive information, including intelligence sources and methods, in litigation in which the FBI is not a party. Because NSCLU serves as the central point of contact for civil litigation impacting the FBI's national security equities, the Unit Chief of NSCLU has daily interactions with senior management in OGC, other FBI Divisions, FBI Field Offices, the Department of Justice (DOJ), and other Intelligence Community (IC) agencies, as appropriate.
 
The section consists of four unit: the National Security Coordination and Litigation Unit, the Congressional Oversight and Investigations Unit, the Freedom of Information Litigation Unit, and the Strategic and Sensitive Discovery Unit.
 
Mission Statement
The mission of the FBI is to protect the American People and uphold the Constitution of the United States.

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.

Job Description

Major Duties
 
- Manages and directs the defense of civil actions brough against the FBI and its employees which implicate national security equities, including classified or law enforcement sensitive information, as well as intelligence sources and methods, to ensure consistency in the FBI's legal positions and litigation strategy.
 
- Oversees long-term planning and decision-making related to national security litigation strategy and risk analysis.
 
- Supervises attorneys and other legal professionals, including assigning and overseeing work related to all aspects of civl litigation.
 
- Performs the full range of performance management for unit employees, including completing performance appraisals and making recommendations for within-grade increases, promotions and reassignments. Takes corrective actions to resolve grievances and complaints, supports and promotes the FBI's and DOJ's equal opportunity program, promotes career development for unit employees, and maintains oversight of administrative records relating to the unit.
 
- Manages the unit's resources, including personnel and budget. Plans, organizes, leads, and directs the unit's activities. Works closely and collaboratively with the other SSILS Unit Chiefs, the Civil Litigation Unit (CLU) Unit Chiefs, OGC partners, DOJ Federeal Programs Branch, DOJ Civil Appellate, DOJ Office of Immigration Litigation, U.S. Attorney's Offices, and IC partners, where appropriate.
 
- Provides guidance, advice, and support to the General Counsel, the Deputy General Counsel of the Litigation Branch, the Section Chief of SSILs, and other FBI and DOJ officials.
Represents the Litigation Branch and OGC in meetings with DOJ officials and representatives from other agencies.
 
- Establishes and maintains effective relationships with FBI's partners, the IC, and other federal agencies in the civil litigation arena, especially with respect to civil litigation issues implicating the FBI's national security equities.

Qualifications

Qualifications and Evaluations
 
Please make sure your specialized experience/requirement(s) can be identified in your resume. Applicants must meet the qualification requirements by the closing date of this announcement.
 
Your application will be evaluated and rated under the FBI’s Candidate Rating Procedures. Your resume and supporting documentation will be used to determine whether you meet the job qualifications listed in this announcement and will be compared to your responses to the online assessment questionnaire. High self-assessment in the vacancy questions that is not supported by information in your resume, and/or supporting documents may eliminate you from Most Competitive status.
 
If you are deemed Most Competitive, you will be referred to the selecting official for further consideration.
 
All applicants will be rated on the following Competencies : Please ensure you respond to each of the competencies. Failure to provide a response for each competency will preclude you from submitting your application.
 
Leadership: Motivates, inspires, develops and mentors others; garners respect and loyalty from others by demonstrating credibility, professionalism, and integrity; provides guidance and directs others in accomplishing goals and objectives.
Initiative: Takes action in anticipation of future needs or opportunities; initiates activity to accomplish a task or goal; pursues participation in activities; volunteers ideas, resources, or efforts.
 
Problem Solving/Judgement: Critically evaluate conditions, events, and alternatives; identify problems, causes and relationships; base decisions or recommendations on data or sound reasoning; and formulate objective opinions.
 
Communication: Express thoughts and ideas clearly, concisely, persuasively orally and in writing; interpret and understand verbal or written communications; tailor communication to the experience, exposure or expertise of the recipient; proactively share information with others when appropriate.

Specialized Experience (SE): All qualifying experience MUST be provided within your RESUME to be considered.
 
Supervisory or experience leading a team required. Must have at least 2-3 years' experience
All applicants must possess a law degree from a law school accredited by the American Bar Association and be an active member of the bar (any US jurisdiction)
 
This position has a specific education requirement; all applicants must verify completion of this basic requirement by submitting both proof of JD degree and proof of good standing with a bar within US jurisdiction. Please see the "Required Documents" section of this announcement for additional information.
 
Applicants must possess a J.D> degree from a law school accredited by the American Bar Association (or have an LL.M. degree or other graduate law school degree in addition to J.D.) and be an active member of a bar (any US jurisdiction).

Applicants applying for the GS-15 must have 4 or more years of post J.D. attorney experience.
 
GS - 15: Applicant must possess at least one (1) year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-14 grade level. SE is defined as follows:

Application Process

The following instructions outline our application process: Please visit www.fbijobs.gov to apply.
 
Step 1: Click the “Start” button to begin an application. You will be prompted to either Sign In to continue the application or to register with FBIJOBS if you don't already have an account.
 
Step 2: Follow the Step by Step process to submit an application. You will be guided through each step in the process. You are required to complete all sections of the application to successfully submit your application.
 
Further Evaluation of Qualified Candidates
All candidates considered for an interview, will be invited to complete the Senior Leader Leadership Selection Process (SL LSP). The SL LSP standardizes the requirements and application porcess for all candidates, improves transparency and feedback about the selection process. The program is based on the FBI Leadership Competency Model. The assessment consists of the following components:
 
1. SL Leadership Skills Assessment (SL LSA): 
The LSA is a standardized assessment which evaluates and measure leadership behavioral abilities and skills, ensuring leaders in all job categories meet the FBI's standards of proficiency in management and leadership. The LSA takes place via the telephone and simulates a "day-in-the-life" of a front-line leader or senior leader, with a candidate assuming a management role during the evaluation. Candidates will be presented with scenarios that require them, as the manager, to make crucial leadership decisions. Candidate will be scored on how they handle these situations and embody the FBI's Leadership Competencies. A passing LSA score allows you to continue towards becoming ready to apply to leadership positions in the FBI.
 
There are no specific study guides for the LSA and the behaviors assessed are not something that one can memorize. The LSA scenarios were designed to account for the various background of candidates while assessing the management or leadership competencies within a familiar environment. In the SL LSA, candidates are assessed based on how they demonstrated the 12 FBI Leadership Competencies during all of the scenarios. The best approach to take the SL LSA is to use study time wisely, relax, and be oneself during the interactions.

Applicants should familiarize themselves and comply with the relevant rules of professional conduct regarding any possible conflicts of interest in connection with their applications. In particular, please notify this Office if you currently represent clients or adjudicate matters in which this Office is involved and/or you have a family member who is representing clients or adjudicating matters in which this Office is involved so that we can evaluate any potential conflicts of interest or disqualification issues that may need to be addressed under those circumstances.

Salary

GS-15: $148,484.00 - $176,300.00

Number of Positions
One

Department Policies

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.

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.

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.   

Unless otherwise required by law, the Fair Chance to Compete for Jobs Act prohibits employees of the U.S. Department of Justice or a federal contractor acting on its behalf from inquiring about an applicant's criminal history record, either in writing or orally, before that individual receives a conditional offer of employment. Applicants who believe they have been subjected to a violation of the Fair Chance to Compete for Jobs Act, may submit a written complaint within 30 days of the date of the alleged non-compliance directly to the hiring office using the contact information listed in the announcement.

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.

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).

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.

 

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.

Updated June 3, 2022