Duties
About the Office
The National Security Division (NSD) provides legal and policy advice on national security matters, litigates counterterrorism, counterespionage, and foreign intelligence surveillance matters, represents the Government before the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Court and other federal trial and appellate courts, and conducts oversight over the activities of various United States Intelligence Community (USIC) agencies. NSD's overarching mission is to prevent and combat terrorism and protect the national security, which continues to be the Department's top priority.
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
The Office of Intelligence (OI) of the NSD is seeking experienced attorneys for its Oversight Section. Attorneys in the Oversight Section oversee foreign intelligence, counterintelligence, and other national security activities of the USIC, including activities pursuant to the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA), to ensure compliance with governing authorities and executive branch policies.
To accomplish this mandate, Oversight Section attorneys coordinate with representatives of USIC agencies to conduct reviews of the USIC's national security activities, including the collection, retention, and dissemination of foreign intelligence information. A significant part of the Oversight Section's work involves analyzing large volumes of information to assess the USIC's compliance with procedures governing the United States' foreign intelligence programs. Oversight Section attorneys must possess highly-developed interpersonal skills, as well as the ability to exercise sound judgment and keen focus for extended periods of time. Additionally, Oversight Section attorneys must possess strong analytic skills so that identified issues are fully investigated and resolved.
Oversight Section attorneys must be comfortable delivering training to large groups. Oversight Section attorneys are expected to travel, resulting in the attorney being out of town for up to several (non-consecutive) weeks per year, in order to conduct oversight reviews at USIC agencies and to conduct training during such reviews. Oversight Section attorneys are also engaged in developing policies relating to oversight and compliance matters. In addition to its oversight responsibilities, the Oversight Section also fulfills various reporting obligations, including statutorily required reporting to congressional oversight committees.
To fulfill those obligations, Oversight Section attorneys are responsible for tracking and synthesizing significant amounts of information and for drafting comprehensive reports for Congress. Oversight Section attorneys work closely with other components of the Department and with USIC agencies, often in collaboration with the Office of the Director of National Intelligence, to provide guidance on the interpretation and application of governing authorities. The Oversight Section also works closely with OI's Operations and Litigation Sections.
Required Documents
Application Process
Please submit the following documents:
- A cover letter highlighting your relevant skills and experience, describing your interest in oversight and compliance, and explaining how your professional experiences relate to the qualifications listed above
- A copy of your resume
- A writing sample (we encourage you to submit a legal memorandum or brief)
- A current performance appraisal (if a current performance appraisal is available)
Please submit your completed application package to:
The following email address (preferred): intelligenceoversightvacancy@usdoj.gov with the subject line
"Oversight Vacancy." Or, via U.S. Mail to:
U.S. Department of Justice
National Security Division
950 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW
Washington, D.C. 20530
ATTN: Tammy Green/Oversight Vacancy
No telephone calls please.
If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:
Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from
schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.
How to Apply
***** If you would like to be considered for the position of Attorney Advisor (GS-0905-13/14/15), please submit your application to intelligenceoversightvacancy@usdoj.gov *****
Note: The application materials are required to be submitted electronically as a PDF file by all applicants (including attorneys currently appointed to positions in the Department of Justice) and e-mailed to intelligenceoversightvacancy@usdoj.gov
Incomplete applications will not be considered.
Please reference "Oversight Vacancy" in the e-mail subject line and in your cover letter.
No telephone calls please.
For more information about NSD, please visit our Web page at https://www.justice.gov/nsd
Relocation expenses or extended TDY will not be authorized.
Next steps
This is a public notice flyer. Applications will not be accepted through USA Jobs. If you are interested in applying, please see the official announcement on the DOJs Legal Careers page by following the links below:
This and other vacancy announcements can be found under Attorney Vacancies and Volunteer Legal Internships.
For more information about NSD, please visit our Web page at:
https://www.justice.gov/nsd