Supervisory Attorney-Adviser (General)

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 page.

About the Office

The Justice Management Division (JMD) is the administrative arm of the Department of Justice, headed by the Assistant Attorney General for Administration (AAG/A). See 28 C.F.R. §§ 0.75-0.77. The JMD Office of the General Counsel (OGC) functions as "in-house" counsel to the AAG/A, JMD managers, and senior Department leadership on a wide variety of matters relating to the organization, management, and administration of the Department. OGC attorneys advise JMD and Department management in areas such as appropriations, budget and financial management, agency organizational management, personnel, labor and employment law, procurement, the Freedom of Information Act, privacy and civil liberties, security, and delegations of authority, among other areas. OGC attorneys also litigate in administrative forums and assist litigating divisions and U.S. Attorney's Offices (USAOs) when JMD matters are in the federal courts.

OGC's Labor and Employment Law Unit (LEL) has a department-wide policy and oversight role with respect to employee relations and employment law. LEL is responsible for providing advice to component employee relations staff and General Counsels' Offices on matters relating to performance, discipline, adverse actions, claims of reprisal, and the Department's Agency Grievance Procedure. LEL works with and provides advice and guidance to managers and Employee Relations staff throughout the Department on drafting notices of discipline and adverse actions and responses to employee grievances. LEL attorneys represent the Department before the Merit Systems Protection Board (MSPB), the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), and the Federal Labor Relations Authority (FLRA). In addition, LEL advises component General Counsel offices and Labor Relations staffs on unfair labor practices, arbitration awards, negotiability claims and representation matters. LEL is the Agency-Head Designee for all collective bargaining agreements.

The JMD Office of the General Counsel is seeking an experienced attorney to serve as the Chief of its Labor and Employment Law Unit (LEL). The major duties include:

• Provide legal advice and guidance on the most difficult labor and employment issues faced by the Department, many of which involve novel circumstances or conflicting precedents.
• Supervise LEL's work, as described above; provide technical and administrative supervision to LEL attorneys.
• Interact with a broad cross-section of Department officials, including senior Department officials; the General Counsel's offices throughout the Department; and Labor and Employee Relations representatives in various components.
• Work in conjunction with the Civil Division's Commercial Litigation and Appellate Branches, as well as the Office of the Solicitor General, in actions before the Merit Systems Protection Board (MSPB) and the Federal Labor Relations Authority (FLRA) that impact most significantly the Department's ability to carry out its mission.
• Administer the Department's directives on subjects such as the administrative grievance procedure, employee-management relations, alternative dispute resolution, and disciplinary adverse actions.
• Analyze ER and LR policy issues for the Department and prepare comments and/or briefing materials on proposed regulations and/or legislation pertaining to these subjects.
• Act as Agency Head Designee for all Department collective bargaining agreements.
• Provide counsel and draft decisions on security clearance revocation appeals for the Department's Access Review Committee (ARC).
• Respond to data requests from OPM, OMB and Congressional of?ces related to Labor and Employment law matters.
• Represent the Department in litigation matters before the MSPB, EEOC and FLRA.
• Provide ER and LR training to components and offer guidance regarding the use of alternative dispute resolution in administrative processes.
• Conduct extensive legal research involving complex legal questions and develop options to thehighest levels of the Department; routinely review statutory provisions, federal court decisions, and administrative agency rulings.
• Develop ER procedures or policies for implementation across the Department.

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 one-year probationary period. See “Additional Information” section for further details.
• Selective Service registration is required for males born on, or after, December 31st 1959. Those not registered should have an approved exemption on file.
• Financial Disclosure: If selected, you may be required to disclose financial information in accordance with DOJ and Federal ethics guidelines.

Qualifications

• Must possess a J.D. Degree, be an active member of the bar (any U.S. jurisdiction), and have at least 4-years post-J.D. legal or other relevant experience.
• Must be a U.S. citizen.
• Must have three (3) years of experience in Employment Law.

The successful applicant will likely also possess:

• Strong leadership skills;
• Exceptional writing and oral communication skills;
• Excellent interpersonal skills, and the demonstrated ability to lead a team and also collaborate with others to achieve a common goal;
• Creative problem-solving skills to resolve complicated legal matters;
• Working knowledge of laws, regulations, and policies that apply to the U.S. Government;
• Demonstrated ability to adapt, quickly shift priorities, and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.

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 for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.

• Cover letter that highlights qualifications
• Resume, highlighting experience relevant to the duties and qualifications listed above
• Copy of J.D., or equivalent degree (official transcript with conferred status is acceptable)
• Proof of active bar membership
• Most recent SF-50 (if applicable)
• A statement indicating whether you are or have been a political appointee in the past five (5) years

Next steps