Legal Careers
Supervisory Attorney
Brooklyn, NY 11232 - United States
The legal practice at the New York Consolidated Legal Center (CLC) covers a wide variety of issues focusing on correctional law and litigation, either through administrative or litigation channels and includes such matters as inmates' reasonable access to the courts (through access to legal materials, legal correspondence, and attorney-client visits), conditions of confinement, medical care, diet and religious accommodations, housing assignments, hygiene and sanitation, and discipline. The incumbent, who is located at the Metropolitan Detention Center (MDC) in Brooklyn, New York, supervises attorneys within the New York CLC, to include legal support staff. MDC Brooklyn is currently the headquarters of the New York CLC, and supervises BOP legal staff located at the Metropolitan Correctional Center (MCC) at New York, New York and Federal Correctional Institution (FCI) at Otisville, New York.
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 position includes being involved in a legal office that oversees the legal operations associated with three correctional institutions: MDC Brooklyn, MCC New York, and FCI Otisville. The New York CLC also handles BOP legal matters that arise from the Eastern and Southern Districts of New York. The incumbent will be expected to provide advice and guidance to all levels of staff at these correctional facilities, including members of the Executive Staff. The incumbent may also be required to handle other Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP) legal matters as assigned, which are outside of the CLC's normal coverage.
The incumbent will also be expected to communicate with defense attorneys, prosecutors, federal courts, and agency officials. The incumbent must have thorough knowledge of all aspects of BOP policy and practice as he/she may be required to appear in District Court on short notice to explain and advocate the agency's rationale for its correctional management decisions. The incumbent must be able to conduct research and prepare memorandums or draft pleadings or declarations as needed, and be self-sufficient with their assigned caseload. The incumbent must be able to handle voluminous amounts of discovery, which includes advising on objection and protective measures. The incumbent must be able to handle clerical and administrative support duties as needed.
The incumbent will be the direct supervisor of the attorneys within the New York CLC, which includes supervising remotely as needed. The incumbent will also supervise legal support staff as applicable, but may delegate supervision of legal support staff when such staff are not physically stationed at MDC Brooklyn. The incumbent assigns matters/cases, establishes protocols and priorities for the New York CLC, and provides supervisory oversight and support to subordinate legal staff. Supervision includes complying with BOP and Department of Justice protocols and procedures, to include timely periodic progress reviews and a final evaluation that is thorough. Supervision also requires providing/arranging appropriate training to subordinate staff, and providing support and guidance as needed.
This is a primary law enforcement position. In accordance with 5 U.S.C. § 3307, the maximum entry age of 36 has been established for initial appointment to a position in a Bureau of Prisons correctional institution. The duties of this position may at times require frequent and direct contact with individuals in confinement who are suspected or convicted of serious criminal offenses. It has also been determined that the duties of this position require experience and knowledge of the on-the-job responsibilities of a primary law enforcement officer working in a detention facility. A prerequisite requirement of this position is the completion of "Institution Familiarization" and the satisfactory completion of a mandatory course in "Introduction to Correctional Techniques."
Because of the nature and mission of this position, it requires "hands-on" understanding of the operating problems encompassed in working within an institution. The incumbent may be called on to perform as a law enforcement officer in a correctional environment during training, emergency situations, times of staff shortages and under any other type of correctional operating crisis. Specific correctional responsibilities may include custody and supervision of inmates, responding to emergencies and institution disturbances, participating in fog and escape patrols, and assuming correctional officer posts when necessary. The incumbent may be required to shakedown inmates and conduct visual searches in their work or living area for contraband. The Incumbent must be prepared to use physical control in situations where necessary, such as in fights among inmates, assaults on staff and riots or escape attempts.
Applicant must possess a J.D. degree, be an active member of the bar (any U.S. jurisdiction), and have at least 3 years of post-J.D. legal or other relevant experience.
Preferred qualifications: Prior and extensive experience in correctional law is preferred, but not required.
Applicants must submit a cover letter (highlighting relevant experience), resume, list of references, most recent performance evaluation and a writing sample by December 6, 2021 to:
U.S. Department of Justice
Federal Bureau of Prisons
Northeast Regional Office
2nd & Chestnut Street
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19106
Attention: Darrin Howard, Regional Counsel
No telephone calls please. It is preferred that you submit your application via e-mail to Darrin.Howard@usdoj.gov.
This position is open until filled, but no later than December 6, 2021.
The possible salary range for this position, including locality pay adjustments, is GS-14 ($125,817 to $163,559) or GS-15 ($147,994 to $172,500).
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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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