Closing Date: 1st April, 2024
Description:
Summary:Are you interested in a rewarding and challenging opportunity? Join the U.S. Department of Justice!
The Disability Rights Section is seeking an experienced attorney for the position of Trial Attorney (Special Litigation Counsel).
Duties:
The Special Litigation Counsel (SLC), under the Supervision of the Chief, will assist the Section's management team and be responsible for reviewing all aspects of the Section's enforcement, regulatory, and coordination work under the Americans with Disabilities Act, Section 504, and other statutes designated to the Section, as it relates to the Section's work pursuant to the Health Care Fraud and Abuse Control ("HCFAC") Program. Specifically, the SLC will provide advice and assistance on the Section's matters that seek to enforce compliance with the ADA's integration mandate by preventing unnecessary segregation of persons with disabilities in institutions such as mental health facilities, nursing facilities, and other congregate settings.
The SLC will provide advice and assistance to the Section's managers and attorneys, including, but not limited to, Deputy Chiefs, Trial Attorneys, and Attorney Advisors. The SLC will work directly, as needed, with attorneys to provide appropriate guidance and review in all facets of their work, including but not limited to, investigations, legal analysis, writing, litigation, negotiations, and necessary legal strategy. The SLC will participate in the Section's enforcement and regulatory strategy decisions related to the HCFAC program, including developing guidance and policies, and reviewing and developing legislation, policy, and testimony, as needed. The SLC will also serve as the Section's primary liaison with the Division's Appellate Section with respect to matters that implicate or involve the HCFAC Program, consulting on briefs and memoranda handled by that Section and the Solicitor General's Office. The SLC will review relevant Section work product, including, but not limited to, legal memoranda, complaints, briefs, Statements of Interest, guidance, and technical assistance materials, to ensure compliance with the relevant laws, Division, and Department standards and to ensure that the Section's HCFAC Program takes consistent and well-supported legal positions in all aspects of its enforcement, regulatory, and coordination work. The incumbent may also serve as the lead attorney or reviewer assigned to certain significant cases. The SLC will monitor developments in the areas of disability law and other relevant federal law and procedural issues related to the work of the Section's HCFAC program, and keep the Section informed of significant issues and developments.
The SLC will also engage in outreach to relevant stakeholders (including representing the Section in meetings with other federal agencies and at disability-related conferences and convenings.) The SLC will be expected to handle other special assignments to be made by the Chief to assist in the operation of the Section.
Requirements:
Conditions of Employment:
- Must be a U.S. Citizen or National
- All male applicants born after 12/31/1959 must have registered for the selective service. If selected, the applicant must sign a statement certifying his registration, or the applicant must demonstrate exempt status under the Selective Service Law.
- You may be required to complete a one- or two-year probationary period.
- You may be required to complete a pre-employment security screening to initiate your background investigation, which includes a drug screening. Continued employment is contingent upon successful completion and adjudication of your investigation.
- You must have a J.D. degree from a law school accredited by the American Bar Association and be a member in good standing of the bar of a state or territory of the United States, the District of Columbia or the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico.
- DOJ uses E-Verify, an internet-based system, to confirm the eligibility of all newly hired employees to work in the United States. Learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities, by visiting www.e-verify.gov/.
- You must meet all qualification requirements by the closing date of this announcement.
Qualifications:
Required Qualifications:
Applicants must possess a J.D. from an American Bar Association accredited law school, be an active member of the bar in good standing (any jurisdiction), and possess a minimum of seven (7) years of post-professional law degree experience. Applicants also must have strong, demonstrated qualifications in the following areas: academic achievement; substantive knowledge and expertise in the laws, rules, and regulations applicable to the work of the section or substantially similar laws, rules, and regulations; written and oral communication skills; the ability to analyze complex issues; skill and experience working collaboratively and productively with others; organizational skills; professional judgment; initiative; and the ability to excel in a fast-paced, demanding environment. Extensive knowledge of the Americans with Disabilities Act, the ADA Amendments Act of 2008, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act, the ADA Standards for Accessible Design, and the Administrative Procedure Act is also expected. In addition, applicants must have the ability to motivate and engage employees; the skill to build relationships that create trust, open dialogue, and full transparency; the assertiveness to drive outcomes and overcome adversity; the capacity to create a culture of clear accountability; and the integrity to make decisions based solely on merit applicants must have outstanding professional references; a demonstrated ability to effectively supervise all aspects of difficult cases and materials; the ability to delegate responsibility to staff; a demonstrated ability to handle several difficult or complex cases or matters at the same time; a demonstrated ability to manage a significant docket and ensure that applicable deadlines are met; demonstrated mentoring skills; and outstanding legal strategy and negotiation skills.
Preferred Qualifications:
Given the nature and volume of this work, the Section generally seeks candidates with significant experience in disability rights legal work and a demonstrated commitment to public service. The Section also seeks candidates who possess skills that will allow them to coordinate effectively with other components in the Division, throughout the federal government, and to other stakeholders. Judicial clerkships (especially in federal court), moot court, clinical experience, and skill and experience working cooperatively and productively with a range of people, including individuals from disadvantaged or disenfranchised groups, judicial or administrative officials, opposing counsel, advocacy groups, law enforcement personnel, and the staff of other federal or state governmental agencies, are also preferred.
Education:
You must possess a J.D.
Education completed in foreign colleges or universities may be used to meet the above education requirements if you can show that the foreign education is comparable to that received in an accredited educational institution in the United States. It is your responsibility to timely provide such evidence by submitting proof of creditability of education as evaluated by a credentialing agency with your application materials. More information may be found at https://www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ous/international/usnei/us/edlite-visitus-forrecog.html.
All documentation must be in English or include an English translation.
