Trial Attorney (Bivens)

Full Job Description

Constitutional Torts (Bivens) Staff, Trial Attorneys represent individual federal employees who are sued or otherwise face personal liability as a result of their on-the-job conduct.

Constitutional Tort attorneys also represent the United States and its agencies in suits in which both the government and individual employees are named.

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-13 grade level, applicants must have minimum 1.5 years post-JD legal experience.

To qualify at the GS-14 grade level, applicants must have minimum 2.5 years post-JD legal experience. To qualify at the GS-15 grade level, applicants must have minimum 4 years post-JD legal experience.

Preferred qualifications: Applicants should be outstanding writers, have strong interpersonal skills, exhibit good judgment, and have an interest in litigation.

Experience with federal court motions practice is preferred.

The ideal candidate would be interested in developing expertise in all and have experience in at least one of the following areas: dealing with individual clients; asserting personal defenses by way of a dispositive motion; handling discovery; or preparing cases for trial.

Applicants should enjoy working independently and as part of a team, feel comfortable in varied federal courtroom settings, and enjoy occasional travel.

Applicants must exhibit the ability to work in a supportive and professional manner with clients, staff, attorney supervisors, and Department officials.

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. Major Duties:

As an Constitutional Torts/Bivens Section Trial Attorney you would: Aid preparation for and conduct of hearings, settlement negotiations, and trials of cases.

Prepares memoranda such as pleadings, motions, briefs, and other documents on the basis of factual and legal research.

Review and analyze facts and assists development of evidence during the preparation of cases.

Receive instruction from the Assistant Director, Deputy Director, and Director as to the policy of the Department in related litigation.

Applies the applicable legal principles to a given statement of facts; examines witnesses; consults with more senior attorneys in planning trial strategy for their cases.

Work with opposing counsel in the formulation of settlements in consultation with more senior attorneys in the office.

Discuss legal and policy questions related to statutes administered by the Section with more senior attorneys.

Report on the status of cases and matters related to legal issues within the assigned area of litigation with the Assistant Director, Deputy Director, and Director, as appropriate.

Work to establish personal contacts; works closely with officials and employees of the Division on litigation and policy-related matters.

May assist with responses to inquiries from the White House, Congress, federal departments and agencies, state and local authorities, and private individuals on matters within the scope of assigned statutory responsibilities.

As requested, performs special legal and administrative projects requiring legal experience and sound judgment.