Legal Careers
Special Counsel (Career SES)
The Civil Division, with more than 1,000 attorneys and 14 litigating components, represents the United States, its departments and agencies, Members of Congress, Cabinet officers and other Federal employees.
The Special Counsel (Career SES) will serve as a senior adviser to the Assistant Attorney General on policy, management, and litigation issues facing the Division. The incumbent is expected to represent the AAG's views within the Department and with other high-ranking government officials, as well as with business and other groups that have dealings with the Division. The incumbent performs a variety of assignments of a sensitive nature in direct support of the responsibilities of the AAG. The incumbent will be expected to be familiar with the operations of the Civil Division and the broad areas covered by its litigation responsibilities. The incumbent must have a demonstrated ability manage the operations of Civil Division components to allow the incumbent to assist in their management when requested by the AAG and when necessary due to temporary vacancies. The incumbent should be able to personally handle sensitive, precedent-setting litigation matters in both the federal trial courts and the courts of appeals.
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 Special Counsel will advise the Assistant Attorney General on a wide-range of litigation, policy, and managerial matters, including legal and strategic issues arising in major defensive and affirmative litigation; policy, regulatory, and legislative matters; and management needs for sections within the Civil Division.
The Special Counsel will be able to manage and operate Civil Division components when necessary due to temporary vacancies. The incumbent will work with Branch Directors, United States Attorney's Offices, and other high-level Department of Justice attorneys and officials on all important legal matters relating to these duties. When so requested, the Special Counsel will be ready to direct the overall operations of Civil Division branches, including: management of senior managers; workload management; planning and establishing long-range and short-range goals; resource allocation; acquisition and utilization of financial, material and human resources; personnel management; and all other operational areas. On controversial and/or policy matters, the Special Counsel will confer with the Assistant Attorney General on recommended positions or courses of action. The incumbent will be able to personally direct, manage, and/or participate in Division cases of outstanding importance in both the trial and appellate courts, and represent the Assistant Attorney General in contacts and negotiations with heads of other Department agencies and other high-level government officials.
The Special Counsel will advocate and implement the AAG's priorities, goals and decisions. The incumbent will recommend action in cases and changes in policy, posture or procedures as necessary.
The Special Counsel will plan, coordinate and oversee special projects and priorities, including policy priorities that cut across the Division or otherwise are not the responsibility of a particular Branch of the Division. The Special Counsel will perform other assignments as requested by the AAG in support of the Administration's views and goals.
Applicant must be a graduate from a full course of study in a School of Law accredited by the American Bar Association and be a member in good standing of the bar of a state, territory of the United States, the District of Columbia, or the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico.
This position requires the highest level of professional competence. The duties of the position require extended specialized training and experience in the law and an intimate grasp of the specialized, complex, and highly technical subject matter and procedures of the federal courts at the trial and appellate level. Because the work of the Division encompasses all of the varied fields of civil litigation, it also requires a fundamental knowledge of these substantive fields of law, a broad background and familiarity with the role of the Division and its litigators, and the ability to make use of that background and experience in solving novel and highly complex problems in the short space of time allowed by court rule deadlines. Because the legal problems typically involve questions as to which there is no well-settled governing rule, the work also calls for wide latitude in the exercise of independent judgment and initiative in fields of unusual difficulty. The incumbent is called upon regularly to supervise the highly important and complicated cases over which the Civil Division has jurisdiction, including test cases of nationwide significance. The position also requires a broad background of experience and knowledge in management and policy analysis.
The position also requires the individual to be able to step in to assist in management of the Division's offices. As a civil servant in an office of primarily political appointees, the position requires the individual to work well in the context of the changes in political leadership of the office and other senior leadership offices.
Qualifications include both general management skills and characteristics that are applicable to all SES positions and technical or program responsibilities specific to this position. Applicants must have a substantive general experience which provides a good basic or general knowledge of the principles of organization, management, and administration; and substantive specialized (operating administrative or managerial) experience in a type of work or a combination of functions directly related to this position.
MANDATORY PROFESSIONAL AND TECHNICAL QUALIFICATIONS (PTQs):
1. Demonstrated expertise in federal government litigation and multiple areas of civil litigation.
2. Demonstrated experience supervising and reviewing attorneys and the work product of attorneys.
3. Demonstrated writing ability.
4. Ability to serve as spokesperson for one's organization.
You will also be evaluated on the following Executive Core Qualifications:
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.
Leadership Competencies:
Creativity and Innovation
Develops new insights into situations; questions conventional approaches; encourages new ideas and innovations; designs and implements new or cutting edge programs/processes.
External Awareness
Understands and keeps up-to-date on local, national, and international policies and trends that affect the organization and shape stakeholders' views; is aware of the organization's impact on the external environment.
Flexibility
Is open to change and new information; rapidly adapts to new information, changing conditions, or unexpected obstacles.
Resilience
Deals effectively with pressure; remains optimistic and persistent, even under adversity. Recovers quickly from setbacks.
Strategic Thinking
Formulates objectives and priorities, and implements plans consistent with the long-term interests of the organization in a global environment. Capitalizes on opportunities and manages risks.
Vision
Takes a long-term view and builds a shared vision with others; acts as a catalyst for organizational change. Influences others to translate vision into action.
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 teamwork, and supports constructive resolution of conflicts.
Leadership Competencies:
Conflict Management
Encourages creative tension and differences of opinions. Anticipates and takes steps to prevent counter-productive confrontations. Manages and resolves conflicts and disagreements in a constructive manner.
Leveraging Diversity
Fosters an inclusive workplace where diversity and individual differences are valued and leveraged to achieve the vision and mission of the organization.
Developing Others
Develops the ability of others to perform and contribute to the organization by providing ongoing feedback and by providing opportunities to learn through formal and informal methods.
Team Building
Inspires and fosters team commitment, spirit, pride, and trust. Facilitates cooperation and motivates team members to accomplish group goals.
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.
Leadership Competencies:
Accountability
Holds self and others accountable for measurable high-quality, timely, and cost-effective results. Determines objectives, sets priorities, and delegates work. Accepts responsibility for mistakes. Complies with established control systems and rules.
Customer Service
Anticipates and meets the needs of both internal and external customers. Delivers high-quality products and services; is committed to continuous improvement.
Decisiveness
Makes well-informed, effective, and timely decisions, even when data are limited or solutions produce unpleasant consequences; perceives the impact and implications of decisions.
Entrepreneurship
Positions the organization for future success by identifying new opportunities; builds the
organization by developing or improving products or services. Takes calculated risks to accomplish organizational objectives.
Problem Solving
Identifies and analyzes problems; weighs relevance and accuracy of information; generates and evaluates alternative solutions; makes recommendations.
Technical Credibility
Understands and appropriately applies principles, procedures, requirements, regulations, and policies related to specialized expertise.
ECQ 4 - BUSINESS ACUMEN. This core qualification involves the ability to manage human, financial, and information resources strategically.
Leadership Competencies:
Financial Management
Understands the organization's financial processes. Prepares, justifies, and administers the program budget. Oversees procurement and contracting to achieve desired results. Monitors expenditures and uses cost-benefit thinking to set priorities.
Human Capital Management
Builds and manages workforce based on organizational goals, budget considerations, and staffing needs. Ensures that employees are appropriately recruited, selected, appraised, and rewarded; takes action to address performance problems. Manages a multi-sector workforce and a variety of work situations.
Technology Management
Keeps up-to-date on technological developments. Makes effective use of technology to achieve results. Ensures access to and security of technology systems.
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.
Leadership Competencies:
Partnering
Develops networks and builds alliances; collaborates across boundaries to build strategic relationships and achieve common goals.
Political Savvy.
Identifies the internal and external politics that impact the work of the organization. Perceives organizational and political reality and acts accordingly.
Influencing/Negotiating
Persuades others; builds consensus through give and take; gains cooperation from others to obtain information and accomplish goals.
Fundamental Competencies These competencies are the foundation for success in each of the Executive Core Qualifications.
Competencies:
Interpersonal Skills
Treats others with courtesy, sensitivity, and respect. Considers and responds appropriately to the needs and feelings of different people in different situations.
Oral Communication
Makes clear and convincing oral presentations. Listens effectively; clarifies information as needed.
Integrity/Honesty
Behaves in an honest, fair, and ethical manner. Shows consistency in words and actions. Models high standards of ethics.
Written Communication
Writes in a clear, concise, organized, and convincing manner for the intended audience.
Continual Learning
Assesses and recognizes own strengths and weaknesses; pursues self-development.
Public Service Motivation
Shows a commitment to serve the public. Ensures that actions meet public needs; aligns
organizational objectives and practices with public interests.
You must submit your application so that it will be RECEIVED by the closing date of the announcement. (January 22, 2015, EST)
For more information, contact the Executive Resources staff at 202-305-2718.
REQUIRED DOCUMENTS:
In addition to your resume, you must also submit separate narrative statements addressing each of the five (5) Executive Core Qualifications (ECQs) and each of the four (4) Professional and Technical Qualifications (PTQs).
ECQ responses are not required for current and former career members of the SES. Indicate whether you are a current or a former member of the SES. You must submit responses to the PTQs, and submit a copy of the most recent SF-50 documenting your SES career appointment.
ECQ responses are not required for SES Candidate Development Program graduates, however you must submit responses to the PTQs, and submit a copy of your OPM Qualifications Review Board certification document.
Applications must either be E-MAILED, hand-delivered, or sent via the U.S. Postal service, or some other mail carrier.
You may E-MAIL your application package to: Civil.SES-vacancies@usdoj.gov
Please use Announcement # [Civil-2014-OAAG-SC1] as your Subject Line.
Via U.S. Postal Service:
Crystal Roy
DOJ/Civil Division/PMB
Room 9020
P.O.Box 14660 Ben Franklin Station, N.W.
Washington, DC 20044-4660
Via other mail carriers:
Crystal Roy
DOJ/Civil Division/PMB
Room 9020
1100 L Street, NW
Washington, DC 20530
$120,749 - $181,500 / per year ES-0905-00
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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.
Fair Chance to Compete for Jobs: 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.
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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