General Attorney (RECA)

US Offices, Boards and Divisions; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 75,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

The Constitutional and Specialized Tort Litigation (CSTL) Section of the Department of Justice seeks qualified attorneys to join its Civil Division, Torts Branch, Radiation Exposure Compensation Act (RECA) Program. A J.D.

and active bar in good standing are required, with progressive post‑JD experience needed for GS‑11 through GS‑15 levels. Preferred candidates will demonstrate strong advocacy, legal writing, motions practice, and deposition/trial experience.

Qualifications

• J.D. or equivalent degree and must be licensed to practice as an attorney in any State, territory or DC.
• Active bar membership in good standing required.
• Qualifications must be met by the closing date of the vacancy announcement.

Skills

Advocacy

Legal writing

Motions drafting

Discovery

Deposition experience

Trial experience

Expert testimony

Education

J.D. degree

Job description

The Constitutional and Specialized Tort Litigation (CSTL) Section is the largest section of the Torts Branch in the Civil Division, Department of Justice. CSTL includes three groups: Civil Division, Torts Branch, Radiation Exposure Compensation Act (RECA) Program.

Interested applicants must possess a J.D., or equivalent, degree, be duly licensed and authorized to practice as an attorney under the laws of any State, territory of the United States, or the District of Columbia, and be an active member of the bar in good standing.Possessing the minimum post law degree legal experience does not guarantee the applicant will be selected at that grade level.

• To qualify at the GS-11 grade level, applicants must have up to one (1) year of legal experience.
• To qualify at the GS-12 grade level, applicants must have minimum (1) or more years post-J.D. legal experience
• To qualify at the GS-13 grade level, applicants must possess at least one and one-half (1.5) years of post-J.D. legal experience.
• To qualify at the GS-14 grade level, applicants must possess at least two and one-half (2.5) years of post-J.D. legal experience.
• To qualify at the GS-15 grade level, applicants must possess at least four (4) years of post-J.D. legal experience.

Qualifications must be met by the closing date of the vacancy announcement.

Preferred qualifications: Applicants with proven advocacy and legal writing skills preferred. Experience drafting and arguing motions, handling discovery, taking, and defending depositions, developing expert witness testimony, and trying cases are highly desirable.

Trial Period Statement:As a condition of employment for accepting this position in accordance with section 11.5 of Executive Order 14284, you will be required to serve a 2-year trial period during which we will evaluate your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest. In determining if your employment advances the public interest, we may consider:

• your performance and conduct;
• the needs and interests of the agency;
• whether your continued employment would advance organizational goals of the agency or the Government; and
• whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service.

Upon completion of your trial period your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest.