GENERAL ATTORNEY (FOIA)
Camp Springs, MD
| Employer: | US Citizenship & Immigration Services |
| Job Type: | Full Time |
Description | |
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Duties The selectee for this vacancy will serve as a senior attorney providing advice to the Chief of the Commercial and Administrative Law Division (CALD), the Chief Counsel, the National Records Center (NRC) in Lee's Summit, MO, and USCIS officials in USCIS Headquarters. The attorney would report to the Deputy Chief of the Commercial and Administrative Law Division. This position has a particular focus on the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), disclosure, and records law, and the Federal Torts Claims Act (FTCA) and Bivens. Among other duties, this position involves supporting the United States Attorney's Office and other Department of Justice attorneys in federal district court FOIA/Privacy Act (PA) litigation (e.g. drafting declarations and Vaughn indices, preparing and/or reviewing court pleadings, etc.), responding to administrative appeals of FOIA/PA requests, advising the NRC and USCIS Headquarters program offices on FOIA, records, and other disclosure issues, and responding to federal, state, and administrative court subpoenas . This position also involves supporting federal court district court FTCA and Bivens litigation (e.g. preparing litigation reports, drafting declarations, preparing and/or reviewing court pleadings) and responding to administrative tort claims under the FTCA). This position involves substantial written work product and requires outstanding writing and editing skills. The successful candidate will have strong communication skills and excel at managing multiple priorities, meeting difficult deadlines, and working cooperatively with both attorneys and non-attorneys. The attorney will provide oral and written legal advice and develop and conduct training. The attorney will also need to demonstrate the ability to represent and advocate for USCIS interests in federal court litigation. An attorney with demonstrated experience in FOIA, records, and disclosure law and FTCA and Bivens is highly desirable. Additionally, knowledge of and experience with Touhy matters is also desired. In addition to the other required documents specified below, applicants must submit a writing sample related to the FOIA and/or the FTCA. Requirements Conditions of Employment U.S. Citizenship: Candidate must be a United States Citizen and present proof of citizenship, if selected. Qualifications by Closing date: You must meet all qualification requirements by the closing date of the announcement. Please note that qualification claims will be subject to verification. Background Security Investigation: A background security investigation will be required for all new hires. Appointment will be subject to the applicant's successful completion of a background security investigation and favorable adjudication. Failure to successfully meet these requirements will be grounds for termination. A Confidential Financial Disclosure Report (SF-450) will be required for certain positions. You may be asked to complete the necessary Financial Disclosure Report to meet that requirement. Drug Testing: If position has been identified as a Testing-Designated position under DHS's Drug-Free Workplace Plan, any individual tentatively selected will be required to submit to urinalysis to screen for illegal drug use prior to appointment. Selective Service Registration: Male applicants born after December 31, 1959, will be required to certify that they have registered with the Selective Service System, or are exempt from having to do so under the Selective Service Law. Residency Requirement: There is a residency requirement for all applicants not currently employed by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. The residency requirement states that candidates must have, for three of the last five years immediately prior to applying for this position(s);
Examples of state-side coverage information include:
Qualifications You qualify at the GS-13 level if you: are currently an attorney in federal employment with the equivalent of being a GS-12 and at least one year experience at that level, or if not a federal employee and you have at least one year of post-J.D. professional legal experience commensurate with the duties and responsibilities of the position. You qualify at the GS-14 level if you: are currently an attorney in federal employment with the equivalent of being a GS-13 and at least one year experience at that level, or if not a federal employee and you have at least two years of post-J.D. professional legal experience commensurate with the duties and responsibilities of the position. You qualify at the GS-15 level if you: are currently an attorney in federal employment with the equivalent of being a GS-14 and at least one year experience at that level, or if not a federal employee and you have at least three years of post-J.D. professional legal experience commensurate with the duties and responsibilities of the position. Applicants must possess a J.D. or LL.M. degree from an ABA-accredited law school or serve a legal apprenticeship in California, Virginia, Vermont, or Washington and pass the bar exam in order to be permitted to practice law in one (1) of those jurisdictions. Bar Requirement GS-13 thru GS-15: Be an active member of the bar (any jurisdiction). Prior to entering on duty, all selected attorneys must provide a Certificate of Good Standing in holding an active Bar License to practice law in any state or territory of the United States, or the District of Columbia, or Commonwealth of Puerto Rico. All applicants will be rated against the following factors:
Additional information You will need to successfully complete a background security investigation before you can be appointed into this position. The candidate selected will be required to obtain a "Secret" clearance and continued employment is contingent on being able to maintain at least a "Secret" clearance. Probationary Period: The candidate selected is required to serve a probationary trial period of two (2) years. Promotional Potential: This position starts at the 13/14/15, depending on such factors as the selectee's experience and current salary, and has promotion potential to the GS-15/10. When promotion potential is shown, the agency is not making a commitment and is not obligated to provide future promotions to you if you are selected. Future promotions will be dependent on your ability to perform the duties at a higher level, the continuing need for an employee assigned to the higher level, and administrative approval. Telework: USCIS provides voluntary telework opportunities for eligible employees serving in positions conducive to working at an alternate work site in accordance with agency policy. Please Note: You may be required to telework from your personal residence or another location due to the needs of an office or an emergency situation such as severe weather, natural or manmade disasters or for public health, safety or emergency preparedness measures. Benefits A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new window Learn more about federal benefits. Review our benefits Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered. | |