Summary
The staff attorney selected for this position will be supervised by the Supervisory Staff Attorney and will perform substantive review, research, and writing in prisoner civil rights and habeas corpus cases. The staff attorney will be responsible for preparing memoranda and proposed orders for each of the district judges to whom the cases have been assigned.
Duties
REPRESENTATIVE DUTIES
A Pro Se Staff Attorney performs duties and responsibilities such as the following:
* Provides substantive screening after filing of all prisoner, inmate, and detainee petitions and motions, including state habeas corpus petitions, motions to vacate sentence, and civil rights complaints. Drafts appropriate recommendation and order for the Court's signature.
* Reviews all complaints, petitions, and pleadings that have been filed to determine issues involved and basis for relief.
* Performs research, as required, to assist the Court in preparing opinions.
* Evaluates present procedures to determine new innovations for handling complaints, petitions, and pleadings. Reviews the docket of pending prisoner, inmate, and detainee litigation to ensure the proper progress of such cases and advises the Court of those cases where action by the Court is appropriate.
*Compiles statistics and prepares periodic reports, as required, that reflect the status and flow of cases. Identifies problem areas, makes recommendations, and offers solutions, as required by the Court, Administrative Office, and other officials.
*Keeps abreast of changes in the law to aid the Court in adjusting to new legislation in the pro se area.
* Provides information, guidance, and advice to judges, magistrate judges, Clerk's Office staff, and other personnel working on prisoner litigation. Advises appropriate personnel on the status of particular cases.
* Performs other duties as assigned.
Requirements
Conditions of Employment
- BACKGROUND INVESTIGATION OR CLEARANCE
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:DRUG TESTING
Qualifications
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONSTo qualify for the position of pro se staff attorney, an individual must be a law school graduate from a law school of recognized standing, and have demonstrated one of the following accomplishments or proficiencies: * Standing within the upper third of the law school class from a law school on the approved list of either the American Bar Association or the Association of American Law Schools.* * Experience on the editorial board of a law review of such school. * Graduation from such a school with an LLM degree; or * Demonstrated proficiency in legal studies, equivalent to one of the above. Some examples of potentially acceptable equivalents include: o Publication of a noteworthy article in a law school student publication or other scholarly publication; o Special high-level honors for academic excellence in law school, such as election to the Order of the Coif; o Winning of a moot court competition or membership on a moot court team that represents the law school in competition with other law schools; o Participation in the legal aid or other law school clinical program sanctioned by the law school;* or o Summer experience as a law clerk to a state or local judge or law clerk experience on a continuing basis in a private firm while attending school (i.e., working one's way through college).* * In order to receive credit, participation and experience could not have been for academic credit. TECHNICAL QUALIFICATIONS:Legal Work Experience:
Legal work experience is progressively responsible experience in the practice of law, in legal research, legal administration, or equivalent experience received after graduation from law school. Major or substantial legal activities while in military service may be credited, on a month-for-month basis whether before or after graduation, but not to exceed one year if before graduation.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS To qualify for the position of pro se staff attorney, an individual must be a law school graduate from a law school of recognized standing, and have demonstrated one of the following accomplishments or proficiencies:
Appointment to JSP-12 or above requires that the candidate be a member of the bar of a state, territory, or federal court of general jurisdiction. Active bar membership is preferred for this position.
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Education
EDUCATION:Specialized Education
Benefits
A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
You may participate in the Federal Employees Health Benefits program, with costs shared with your employer. More info: http://www.usajobs.gov/jobextrainfo.asp#FEHB.
Review our benefits
Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.
How You Will Be Evaluated
You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.
You will be evaluated based upon the question responses you provide during a structured interview. In responding to structured interview questions you should be sure to cite specific examples of experience, explain exactly what you did, and the outcome.
Required Documents
Applicants must submit the following:
* Cover letter that supports your work experience as it relates to the position.
* Resume that includes complete work and salary history, and education.
* Your two most recent performance evaluations (preferred) OR two letters of recommendation if evaluations are not available.
* Response to selection factors (listed below).
Attachments should be submitted only as Microsoft Word or Adobe Acrobat (PDF) documents. Other formats are not acceptable.
Applications will be considered complete when the online application and all required attachments (in proper format) are received by the Human Resources Division. Applications and/or attachments received after the closing date may not be considered.
SELECTION FACTORS
The following factors will be used to select the best qualified candidates for interview. Respond to these factors and submit your response with the required documents listed in the How- To-Apply section. Identify each response by using the factor number.
1. Experience in planning and organizing work, establishing priorities, and working independently. Cite specific examples of such experience, including the level of responsibility, degree of independence, methodology employed, and results achieved.
2. Ability to communicate clearly, concisely, and informatively in writing. Submit a copy of a recent report, analysis, legal document, or business correspondence you have prepared.
3. Experience in reviewing documents and extracting data. Cite examples of this experience indicating the type of documents reviewed, and the level of responsibility.
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.
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