The Office of Legislative Affairs (OLA), Director's Office, Central Office, monitors, tracks and analyzes legislation and the interests of Members of Congress. Additionally, OLA prepares BOP officials to testify at Congressional hearings, meets with Members of Congress and Congressional staff and responds to inquiries about BOP programs, services and operations. The attorney will work closely with DOJ's Office of Legislative Affairs and other relevant DOJ components.
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 is located in BOP's Central Office, Washington, DC. The Supervisory Attorney-Advisor (SAA), under direction of the Senior Deputy Assistant Director, is responsible for management and supervision of the Office of Legislative Affairs (OLA), its staff, and activities relating to Congressional oversight. The incumbent will provide legal advice, policy formulation, and review of matters regarding legislation. The incumbent will routinely meet with Members of Congress and Congressional Staff, and is responsible for preparing the BOP Director to testify at Congressional Hearings.
The incumbent is responsible for providing advice and guidance to BOP Executive staff, as it relates to legislation and congressional correspondence. The incumbent will assist with preparing Bureau officials to testify before or brief members of Congress, congressional committees, or the staff of the members of committees. This may include coordinating and drafting talking points, leading or participating in moot hearings or briefings, researching the members or committees to ensure BOP officials are prepared for relevant topics, and other activities that will assist in preparing BOP officials to present to members of Congress and committees.
The incumbent provides direct management and supervision of six Legislative Affairs Specialists.
Required qualifications: Applicants must have a J.D. degree, be an active member of the bar (any U.S. jurisdiction), and have at least three years of post-J.D. experience or other relevant experience. Applicants must also submit to and pass a drug test.
Preferred qualifications: Experience with Members of Congress and Legislative Affairs is desired though not required.
Applicants must submit a resume or current OF-612 (Optional Application for Federal Employment), a cover letter (highlighting relevant experience), a writing sample, and a list of legal references, by June 16, 2023, to:
U.S. Department of Justice
Federal Bureau of Prisons
Office of Congressional and Public Affairs
320 First Street, N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20534
Attention: Kristie Breshears, Director of Communication and Government Relations.
It is preferred that you submit your application packet via email to kbreshears@bop.gov.
No telephone calls, please. This position is open until filled, but no later than June 17, 2023.
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 conflict of interest or disqualification issue that may need to be addressed under those circumstances.