Assistant Section Chief - Natural Resources Section

Offices, Boards and Divisions; Denver (CO); On-site; USD 165,000 - 197,000; Full time

Job summary

Offices, Boards and Divisions seeks an Assistant Section Chief in Denver (or Washington, DC) with substantial federal litigation experience to lead one of its six litigating teams. The candidate should be an active bar member with a J.D.

and have significant litigation experience, including APA familiarity, and the ability to mentor attorneys and staff while managing multiple priorities. The role requires exceptional legal writing, collaborative skills with client agencies and courts, and a

Qualifications

• J.D. degree and active bar membership in any U.S. jurisdiction.
• At least 7 years post-J.D. litigation experience or post clerkship litigation experience.
• Familiarity with the Administrative Procedure Act or related statutes in the Section's jurisdiction.

Responsibilities

• Manage attorneys and administrative staff to produce high-quality work under tight deadlines.
• Demonstrate strong legal writing and editing skills and mentor supervisees.
• Collaborate with client agencies, court personnel, and opposing counsel to build productive relationships.

Skills

Federal litigation

Mentoring

Legal writing

Client relations

Education

J.D. degree

Job description

The Natural Resources Section has one of the most dynamic and complex practices in the Environment and Natural Resources Division, representing virtually every federal agency in federal district courts, the Court of Federal Claims, and state courts in novel litigation arising under more than 80 natural resource, environmental, and cultural resource statutes. The Natural Resources Section is seeking an Assistant Section Chief in Washington, DC or Denver, for one of its six litigating teams.

Applicants must possess a J.D. degree, be an active member of the bar (any U.S. jurisdiction), and have at least 7 years post-J.D. experience or post clerkship litigation including significant litigation experience or substantive familiarity with the Administrative Procedure Act or other statutes within the Section's jurisdiction.

The ideal candidate will have significant federal litigation experience; the ability to mentor and manage attorneys and administrative staff to produce high quality work under tight time frames, including the ability to manage multiple assignments simultaneously and to adjust to meet new priorities; exceptional legal writing and editing skills and a strong commitment to developing the writing skills of supervisees; the ability to work cooperatively and effectively with client agencies, court personnel, and opposing counsel, as well as the ability to build productive relationships with managers and attorneys in the Natural Resources Section, other ENRD Sections, and other Department of Justice components; and a commitment to the highest ethical and professional standards. Experience defending complex federal agency actions under the Administrative Procedure Act is desired but not required.

The possible salary range for Denver is:

• GS-15 ($164,956 -$197,200)

The possible salary range for Washington D.C. is:

• GS-15 ($169,279 - $197,200)