Trial Attorney

Closing Date: 19th April, 2024

Description:

General Job Information
Job Summary:
The Office of the Attorney General for the District of Columbia is seeking an experienced trial attorney for the position of Assistant Attorney General in the Public Advocacy Division (PAD). The Public Advocacy Division (PAD) investigates and litigates affirmative civil enforcement cases aimed to protect the public interest. PAD brings enforcement actions in consumer protection, civil rights, housing, workers' rights, elder justice, environmental protection, nonprofit, antitrust, and anti-fraud. This position specializes in matters related to nuisance properties and public safety issues. The position requires skills in affirmative litigation and negotiation at a senior level, community outreach, coordination of stakeholders, and creative problem-solving.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Receives tips and outreach from the community and other stakeholders, identifies areas for investigation, analyzes complex factual and legal issues and coordinates with community members and stakeholders (both government and non-government) to identify solutions.
• Negotiates settlements, prepares matters for litigation, litigates cases through trial in D.C. Superior Court, and drafts and reviews legislative proposals.
• Works in coordination with division management and relevant sections within PAD, including the Housing and Environmental Justice Section.
• Receives and investigates complaints of nuisance activity.
• Litigates all cases filed under the Drug-, Firearm-, and Prostitution-Related Nuisance Act.
• Negotiates pre-suit and post-suit settlements.
• Works with PAD investigators and paralegals to develop cases for litigation.
• Builds and maintains relationships with relevant District and federal agencies to educate them on OAG's authority, receive referrals, and discuss broader policy solutions.
• Builds and maintains relevant relationships with other relevant OAG divisions and OAG agency leadership.
• Builds and maintains relationships with tenant associations and other community-based organizations and stakeholders, including attending community and stakeholder meetings related to nuisance activity, crime, and public safety.
• Builds and maintains relationships with property owners, landlords, and property managers, including attending relevant meetings.
• Negotiates inter-agency memoranda of agreement to receive and share data and referrals.
• Recommends legislative changes to address nuisance properties and broader public safety concerns at multi-family residential properties (both rental and ownership communities).
• Monitors eviction cases of tenants involved in criminal activity at residential properties.
• Tracks data on drug- and firearm-related incidents.
• Monitors implementation and effectiveness of security and safety solutions at properties.
• Performing other related duties, as assigned.

Qualifications and Education:

• The Incumbent must have a law degree and be a member of the District of Columbia Bar or eligible for waiver into bar.
• The candidate must have 8 - 10 years of litigation experience—preferably in civil, affirmative, or other public interest litigation;
• The candidate must have excellent oral and writing skills.
• Demonstrated passion for working with and aiding communities through a community-oriented lawyering approach is strongly preferred.

Licenses and Certifications:
The incumbent must be sworn into the District of Columbia Bar within 360 days of his/her initial appointment with the Office of the Attorney General for the District of Columbia.

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