Supvy Attorney-Adviser (General Counsel)

U.S. Department of Justice; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 130,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

The U.S. Department of Justice is seeking an experienced attorney to serve as General Counsel for the Office of the Pardon Attorney. This role involves providing legal counsel, overseeing litigation efforts, and supervising a team, requiring significant legal expertise and attention to detail.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 5 years post-J.D. experience.
• Experience in federal regulatory and criminal law is preferred.
• Must be a U.S. citizen.

Responsibilities

• Oversee litigation preparation and coordination with other DOJ components.
• Provide legal counsel to senior managers and constituents.
• Supervise attorneys and legal support staff.

Skills

Complex legal research

Legal analysis

Attention to detail

Education

J.D. degree

Active bar membership

Job description

The Office of the Pardon Attorney (PARDON) fulfills the duties of the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) in support of the President's clemency power under Article II, § 2 of the Constitution. For over 130 years, the President has relied on the advice and assistance of the Attorney General in exercising the clemency power.

Duties

PARDON is seeking an experienced attorney to serve as General Counsel for PARDON. The role involves performing duties such as litigation preparation, coordination with litigating components of the Department—including General Counsel, Federal Programs, the Civil and Criminal Divisions, and U.S. Attorneys' Offices—overseeing the component's FOIA work, and providing legal counsel and guidance to senior managers on general law and federal requirements. The General Counsel will also provide high-level advice to the Pardon Attorney, Senior Deputy Pardon Attorney, and Deputy Pardon Attorney regarding policy-related guidance on sensitive and important matters. Additionally, the position requires serving as a first-line supervisor of attorneys and legal support staff, overseeing performance, and assigning projects based on office needs.

Requirements

• Must be a U.S. Citizen or National.
• Must complete a Background Investigation, including drug testing.
• Selective Service registration is required for males born on or after December 31, 1959. Exemptions should be documented if applicable.
• May be required to complete a one-year supervisory probationary period.
• Must obtain and maintain a Top Secret Security Clearance.
• Proof of law degree and active bar membership.
• Financial Disclosure: May be required to disclose financial information in accordance with DOJ and Federal ethics guidelines.
• Must complete a 2-year trial period if selected.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications: Applicants must possess a J.D. degree, be an active member of the bar (any U.S. jurisdiction), have a minimum of 5 years of post-J.D. experience, and be a U.S. citizen.

The role demands significant attention to detail, the ability to conduct complex legal research and analysis involving regulatory mandates, administrative initiatives, and Department directives. Candidates should be capable of researching legal questions, preparing reports, and interpreting rules such as the Rules Governing Petitions for Executive Clemency (28 CFR 1.1 et seq.) and other mission-critical programs. The ability to manage a substantial caseload, work independently and collaboratively, prioritize tasks, and produce high-quality, focused legal work is essential.

Preferred Qualifications:

Experience in federal regulatory, privacy, FOIA, and criminal law, prior federal or administrative litigation experience, and excellent legal research and writing skills are highly desirable.