Duties

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.

The National Security Division's Counterintelligence and Export Control Section (CES) authorizes, supervises, and participates in the investigation and prosecution of cases affecting national security, including espionage, counterproliferation, export control, embargo, neutrality, atomic energy, and Foreign Agents Registration Act violations. CES attorneys work closely with law enforcement agencies and members of the intelligence community, as well as with U.S. Attorney's Offices around the country to investigate and prosecute crimes within CES's area of responsibility. Law enforcement agencies, members of the intelligence community, and United States Attorneys' offices will bring matters to the Office's attention that CES attorneys will help investigate for potential criminal prosecution; CES attorneys provide whatever level of assistance is required - from advising on what investigative actions mare appropriate, to providing approval for specific charges, to drafting charging documents, to participating at trials. CES's aim is to provide the expertise necessary for the specialized charges for which it is responsible. The Office's work ensures nationwide coordination on such charges. Importantly, CES also coordinates criminal cases involving application of the Classified Information Procedures Act (CIPA). Thus, when a case involves classified information, CES attorneys help coordinate with the relevant members of the intelligence community who may have an equity in that information, and help ensure that any use of such information comports with the procedures set forth in CIPA.

Requirements

Conditions of Employment

• Must be a U.S. Citizen or National
• Must complete a Background Investigation to include drug testing
• Selective Service Registration is required, as applicable
• May require completion of one year probationary period

Qualifications

Required Qualifications :
Applicants must possess a J.D. degree, be duly licensed and authorized to practice as an attorney under the laws of a State, Territory, or the District of Columbia, and have at least 2.5 years of post J.D. professional experience to be qualified at the GS-14 or 4 or more years to be qualified at the GS-15 level. Applicants should have an interest in national security matters and have superior academic credentials, writing and analytic skills. Significant experience in litigation is desirable.
Applicants must have superior academic and professional credentials as well as exceptional writing and oral communication skills. Applicants must also possess the legal skills and sound judgment necessary to evaluate the sensitive issues that arise in the course of attorney misconduct investigations. The individuals selected for these positions are required to obtain and maintain a Top Secret/SCI security clearance as a condition of employment.

Preferred qualifications : A knowledge of, and familiarity with the rules and obligations imposed on prosecutors and other government attorneys by the Constitution, federal statutes, court decisions, orders, rules, regulations, Department policies, and applicable state bar rules is preferred but not required.

Grade Specific Qualifications :

• To qualify at the GS-14 level , applicants must have at least three years of post-J.D. legal experience, one of which was specialized experience at, or equivalent to, the GS-13 grade level. Examples of specialized experience include: preparing pleadings, motions, affidavits, and other materials involving legal issues in civil or criminal litigation; conducting civil or criminal litigation (to include appellate practitioners); analyzing cases or requests for legal sufficiency; and providing expert legal advice and consultation.
• To qualify at the GS-15 level , applicants must have five years of post-J.D. legal experience, one of which was specialized experience at, or equivalent to, the GS-14 grade level. Examples of specialized experience include preparing court documents, presentations, and other written material involving or addressing unique and/or difficult issues in civil or criminal litigation; conducting complex civil or criminal litigation (to include appellate practitioners); analyzing complex cases for legal sufficiency; and providing expert, specialized advice and consultation.

It is the policy of the National Security Division to request a three-year commitment for all attorney positions.

Applicants must meet all required qualifications upon the closing date of this vacancy announcement.

If selected for this position, you will be required to provide official proof of J.D. Degree and Bar Membership (including certification of good standing) before a firm job offer is extended.

Additional information

Salary and grade level determinations are made based on the number of years of qualifying experience and current salary level. The salary ranges for this position are:
GS-14 ($132,368 - $172,075)
GS-15 ($155,700 - $183,500)

Travel:
Periodic travel will be required.

Relocation Expenses: No