Trial Attorney (Consumer Protection Branch) Apply
Summary
The Consumer Protection Branch is seeking a Trial Attorney to represent the United States in a broad range of both criminal and civil affirmative litigation. Areas of enforcement emphasis for the Branch include: the prescription opioid crisis; fraud schemes affecting older Americans, vulnerable populations, and U.S. service members; adulterated and misbranded food, drugs, tobacco, and medical devices; hazardous consumer products; deceptive trade practices; and data-privacy violations.
This job is open to
The public
U.S. Citizens, Nationals or those who owe allegiance to the U.S.
Clarification from the agency
United States Citizens
Duties
The Consumer Protection Branch is seeking a Trial Attorney to represent the United States in a broad range of both criminal and civil affirmative litigation. Charged with safeguarding Americans' health, safety, economic security, and identity integrity, Trial Attorneys at the Branch develop investigations and pursue actions throughout the country. In advancing the Branch's mission, Trial Attorneys work closely with U.S. Attorneys' Offices and federal law enforcement partners. Trial Attorneys engage in all phases of discovery and litigation, including using the grand jury and civil investigative tools, preparing appropriate pleadings, and handling motions and trials before U.S. District Courts. Trial Attorneys also have responsibility for coordinating multi-component and international investigations, cases, and initiatives. In addition, Trial Attorneys represent the United States in direct negotiations and discussions with opposing counsel, often related to complex corporate investigations and litigation matters. Areas of enforcement emphasis for the Branch include: the prescription opioid crisis; fraud schemes affecting older Americans, vulnerable populations, and U.S. service members; adulterated and misbranded food, drugs, tobacco, and medical devices; hazardous consumer products; deceptive trade practices; and data-privacy violations. In addition, Trial Attorneys review and opine on policy matters and legislative proposals related to public health and safety, and advise U.S. Attorneys' Offices on considered prosecutions under the Food, Drug & Cosmetic Act and other federal laws. Trial Attorneys further have the ability to engage with Department leadership and to participate in training offerings and events.
Requirements
Conditions of Employment
Must be a U.S. Citizen or National.
You will be required to complete a pre-employment security investigation and background check which includes a drug screening.
Selective Service registration is required for males born on, or after, December 31st 1959. Those not registered should have an approved exemption on file.
May require completion of a 14-month temporary appointment, subject to extension, pending the completion and adjudication of your background check.
Must be able to obtain and maintain a Top Secret security clearance with eligibility for Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI) access depending on organizational assignment / duty location.
It is the policy of the Department to achieve a drug-free workplace and persons selected for employment will be required to pass a drug test which screens for illegal drug use prior to final appointment.
Financial Disclosure: If selected, you will be required to disclose financial information in accordance with DOJ and Federal ethics guidelines.
Upon conversion to a permanent appointment with the Department, all Department attorneys are subject to a two year trial period.
Qualifications
Applicants must be a graduate from a full course of study in a School of Law accredited by the American Bar Association and be a member in good standing of the bar of a state, territory of the United States, the District of Columbia, or the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico.
Applicants must be an active member of the bar (any jurisdiction) and must have at least four years of post-J.D. experience to qualify at the GS-15 level. You must also be a U.S. citizen.
Applicants must have excellent writing and advocacy skills, as well as superior negotiation and interpersonal skills. Successful applicants will be highly motivated, exhibit sound judgment and creativity, and have several years of active litigation experience. Judicial clerkship experience and familiarity with the enforcement of federal law is preferred.
Education
All academic degrees and coursework must be completed at a college or university that has obtained accreditation or pre-accreditation status from an accrediting body recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. For a list of schools that meet this criteria, see www.ed.gov.
OR
Education completed in foreign colleges or universities may be used to meet the above education requirements if you can show that the foreign education is comparable to that received in an accredited educational institution in the United States. It is your responsibility to timely provide such evidence by submitting proof of creditability of education as evaluated by a credentialing agency with your application materials. More information may be found at https://www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ous/international/usnei/us/edlite-visitus-forrecog.html.
All documentation must be in English or include an English translation. https://www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ous/international/usnei/us/edlite-visitus-forrecog.html.
Additional information
Veteran Preference: If you are entitled to or claim veterans' preference (VP), you should indicate the type of veteran preference (5 or 10 points) you are claiming on your resume. In order to determine your eligibility, you can find additional information at: http://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/veterans-services/vet-guide/.
There is no formal rating system for applying veterans' preference to attorney appointments in the excepted service; however, the Department of Justice considers veterans' preference eligibility as a positive factor in attorney hiring. Applicants eligible for veterans' preference must include that information in their cover letter or resume and attach supporting documentation (e.g., the DD 214, Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty and other supporting documentation) to their submissions. Although the \\\"point\\\" system is not used, per se, applicants eligible to claim 10-point preference must submit Standard Form (SF) 15, Application for 10-Point Veterans' Preference, and submit the supporting documentation required for the specific type of preference claimed (visit the OPM website, www.opm.gov/forms/pdf_fill/SF15.pdffor a copy of SF 15, which lists the types of 10-point preferences and the required supporting document(s).
DOJ EEO Statement/Policy: http://www.justice.gov/jmd/eeos/08-eeo-policy.pdf
Reasonable Accommodation Statement: Federal agencies must provide reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities where appropriate. Applicants requiring reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process should contact the hiring agency directly. Determinations on requests for reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis.
Schedule A: DOJ welcomes and encourages applications from persons with disabilities and is firmly committed to satisfying its affirmative obligations under the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 to ensure that persons with disabilities have every opportunity to be hired and advanced on the basis of merit within the Department. DOJ also encourages eligible Schedule A applicants to submit their resumes to resume@benderconsult.com, and reference \\\"Federal Career Opportunities\\\" in the subject line. Additional information is found at: www.benderconsult.com.
Selective Service: If you are a male applicant born after December 31, 1959, you must certify that you have registered with the Selective Service System, or are exempt from having to do so under the Selective Service Law. Additional information is found at: www.sss.gov.
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.
Benefits
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. Your application will be evaluated by a reviewing panel.
Please Note: The Selecting Official may select additional candidates if more positions become available within 120 days after the closing date of the vacancy.
Required Documents
Cover Letter highlighting interest and unique qualifications.
Resume showing relevant experience.
Writing Sample (not more than 10 pages in length).
DD-214 and/or veteran documentation, (if applicable).
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
To apply for this position, you must submit a cover letter, resume, and writing sample (not more than 10 pages in length). If you are claiming veterans preference, you must also submit your DD-214 (Member 4 Copy), and/or other documentation that you may have.Applicants are encouraged to submit their materials by email to: Consumer.Protection@usdoj.gov.On the subject line, please put CPB-Trial Attorney Application.The suggested submission format is to email a single .pdf file of the following required documents, in order:
Cover letter
Resume
Writing sample (not more than 10 pages in length)
Veterans' preference DD-214 (Member 4 Copy)/other documentation
Emailed applications with multiple files attached will also be accepted.Applicants may also send their materials by commercial courier service (FedEx or UPS) to: Ms. Lory AlexanderU.S. Department of JusticeConsumer Protection Branch450 5th St., NW, Ste. 6400Washington, D.C. 20530Applications submitted by email must be received by 11:59 pm Eastern Standard Time on the closing date listed in this announcement. Applications submitted by mail must be postmarked no later than the closing date listed on this announcement.No telephone calls, please.
Agency contact information
Phillip Foster
Phone
202-532-5367
Email
phillip.r.foster@usdoj.gov
Address
Civil Division
1100 L Street, NW
Washington, DC 20530
US
Next steps
Once the application package is received you will receive an acknowledgement email that your submission was successful. All qualified applications will be sent to the hiring official for review. You will be contacted directly if an interview is desired.
