FOIA Appeals Attorney-Advisor — Policy & Litigation Leader

The United States Department of Justice; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 102,000 - 158,000; Full time

Job summary

The United States Department of Justice, Office of Information Policy in Washington, DC, seeks an Attorney-Advisor to adjudicate administrative FOIA appeals and provide legal guidance on FOIA and Privacy Act matters. The position requires a JD and active bar admission, with travel limited as needed.

Responsibilities include researching FOIA law, advising federal agencies, and training components on FOIA compliance, with potential for litigation work and advancement to GS-14.

Qualifications

• Applicants must possess a J.D. degree (or equivalent), be an active member of the bar (any U.S. jurisdiction).
• Preferred qualifications: FOIA knowledge and administrative law/civil litigation experience.
• Candidates must have at least one-year FOIA processing / FOIA litigation experience to qualify at the GS-13 level.
• Promotion potential to GS-14.

Responsibilities

• Recommending proposed actions to be taken in the adjudication of administrative FOIA appeals by reviewing the administrative record and evaluating actions taken by Department of Justice components in processing initial FOIA requests;
• Conducting legal research and providing legal advice to a wide variety of federal agencies involving inquiries and assignments related to the application of FOIA and Privacy Act access laws;
• Developing a mastery of assigned area(s) of expertise and updating corresponding section(s) of the United States Department of Justice Guide to the Freedom of Information Act;
• Encouraging FOIA compliance by components of the Department of Justice;
• Providing instructional training and guidance to various federal Departments regarding compliance with the FOIA; and
• Providing written and oral legal advice to litigators or periodically serving as litigators in defending certain FOIA lawsuits.

Skills

Legal research

FOIA knowledge

Administrative law

Civil litigation

Education

J.D. degree (or equivalent)

Active bar admission

Job description

The United States Department of Justice, Office of Information Policy in Washington, DC, seeks an Attorney-Advisor to adjudicate administrative FOIA appeals and provide legal guidance on FOIA and Privacy Act matters. The position requires a JD and active bar admission, with travel limited as needed.

Responsibilities include researching FOIA law, advising federal agencies, and training components on FOIA compliance, with potential for litigation work and advancement to GS-14.