Clarification from the agency

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

About the Office

The Office of the Pardon Attorney (PARDON) fulfills the duties of the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) in support of the President's clemency power under Article II, § 2 of the Constitution. For over 130 years, the President has relied on the advice and assistance of the Attorney General in exercising clemency power. PARDON is the office designated to carry out this function under the direction of the Deputy Attorney General. PARDON receives petitions for executive clemency, initiates the necessary investigations, and prepares the recommendations for DOJ leadership and the President in the consideration of all forms of executive clemency, including commutation of sentence, pardon, reprieve, remission of fine, and commutation of the penalty of death. PARDON also investigates applications for the Restoration of Firearms Rights under 18 U.S.C. 925(c). For more information about the Office, please visit our web page at https://www.justice.gov/pardon.

PARDON is seeking an experienced attorney to serve in the role of Supervisory Attorney Advisor. The Supervisory Attorney Advisor will become familiar with all aspects of executive clemency and other relief programs. Among other responsibilities, the Supervisory Attorney-Advisor will review and evaluate the merits of clemency and relief petitions, confer with officials of the DOJ and external agencies regarding clemency or relief applications, collect information and records related to the clemency or relief investigation, produce high-quality detailed written recommendations, and advise the Pardon Attorney, the Deputy Attorney General, and the White House on the appropriate disposition of individual petitions for clemency or relief. Supervisory Attorney Advisors will interact with petitioners and their legal representatives and must demonstrate a high level of commitment to professionalism, courtesy, and public service. The position will also serve as a first-line supervisor of a team of attorneys and potentially legal support staff, overseeing regular and special assignments, reviewing work products, and rating overall performance.

Conditions of employment

• You must be a United States Citizen or National.
• You will be required to complete a pre-employment security investigation and background check which includes a drug screening.
• You may be required to complete a probationary or trial period.
• Selective Service registration is required for males born on, or after, December 31, 1959. Those not registered should have an approved exemption on file.
• You must meet all eligibility requirements by the closing date of this announcement and continue to meet these requirements throughout the hiring process. Offers can be rescinded if requirements are not met.
• Financial Disclosure: If selected, you may be required to disclose financial information in accordance with DOJ and Federal ethics guidelines.

Qualifications

Qualifications

Applicants must possess a J.D. degree, be an active member of the bar (any U.S. jurisdiction), have a minimum of five years of post-J.D. experience, and be a U.S. citizen. Applicants must have Federal Government attorney experience.

The work of the Supervisory Attorney-Advisor requires significant attention to detail and the ability to thoroughly evaluate large case files, identify relevant issues, and recommend decisions. In addition, excellent legal research and writing skills, and exemplary judgment and discretion are required. Individuals must perform research on assigned questions of law or policy and prepare reports and memoranda for the use of senior officials of the Department. This position also requires the interpretation of Rules Governing Petitions for Executive Clemency (28 CFR 1.1 et seq.,), procedures for the Restoration of Firearms Rights under 18 U.S.C. 925(c), and other mission-critical programs of PARDON. A successful candidate will have the ability to manage a significant caseload, provide guidance and oversight to other attorneys managing significant caseloads, and work both independently and collaboratively. The Office places a premium on the commitment and ability to prioritize assignments and efficiently produce high-quality work, including substantial, appropriately focused, and well-written work products.

Applicants should also demonstrate compassion and the ability to undertake fair and balanced evaluations of applications submitted by Federal clemency and relief petitioners. This position is located in Washington, DC. This is NOT a fully remote position and employees will be required to come into the office. An out-of-area applicant who is selected for this position will be expected to relocate at their own expense. This position is telework-eligible consistent with the Office's telework policy.

Preferred Qualifications

Federal Government supervisory experience is preferred. Applicants must have at least 5 years of experience in post-J.D., legal work. Practice experience in federal criminal law, including a thorough understanding of federal sentencing law and the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, prior federal or administrative legal experience, and excellent legal research and writing skills are also preferred qualifications. Applicants must also demonstrate exceptional communication skills and the ability to meet deadlines under pressure.

How you will be evaluated

You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.

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 emailed to Pardon.AttorneyVacancies@usdoj.gov. Please include "Supervisory Attorney Advisor" in the subject line.

Incomplete applications will not be considered.

When addressing the specialized experience statement, applicants must present evidence of the experience in their resume. If the specialized experience statement is repeated, in the applicant's resume, Human Resources will deem the applicant as ineligible.

Evaluation Process

A panel of subject matter experts will review applications to determine how well a candidate meets the minimum position qualifications outlined above. If a candidate is deemed qualified, they will be contacted via email or telephone to schedule an interview. Interviews will be scored by a selecting committee and those who fall into the best-qualified category will be considered for the position.

Application Process

Applicants must submit a resume (not to exceed 2 pages), writing sample (not to exceed 20 pages), and cover letter. The cover letter should highlight relevant experience and address the mandatory and preferred qualifications from the qualifications section of this vacancy announcement.

Current or former Federal employees are encouraged to submit a copy of your most recent SF-50 (Notification of Personnel Action) or equivalent agency form. Do not submit an award SF-50, these do not contain sufficient information about your appointment.

Applications should be submitted by email to: Pardon.AttorneyVacancies@usdoj.gov. Please include "Supervisory Attorney Advisor" in the subject line.

As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you will be required to serve a 2-year probationary period during which we will evaluate your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest. In determining if your employment advances the public interest, we may consider:

• your performance and conduct;
• the needs and interests of the agency;
• whether your continued employment would advance organizational goals of the agency or the Government; and
• whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service.

Upon completion of your probationary period your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest.

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.

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 conflicts of interest or disqualification issues that may need to be addressed under those circumstances.

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