General Attorney (RECA)
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Job Location:
Washington, AR - USA
Yearly Salary:
$ 121785 - 197200
Posted on:
30+ days ago
Vacancies:
1 Vacancy
Job Summary
Summary
The Constitutional and Specialized Tort Litigation (CSTL) Section is the largest section of the Torts Branch in the Civil Division Department of Justice. CSTL includes three groups: Civil Division Torts Branch Radiation Exposure Compensation Act (RECA) Program
Staff in the RECA Program represent the Attorney Generals interests throughout the claims process including investigation adjudication and appeal. The program handles complex legal and factual issues involving substantial monetary claims and serves as a key component of the Departments efforts to provide restitution to affected individuals.
As a General Attorney the incumbent:
- Conducts research and analysis concerning the interpretation and application of statutes rules and regulations regarding complex issues that arise in connection with the RECA Program and matters within purview of T-CSTL;
- Reviews the administrative record in claims under RECA with complex factual and legal questions;
- Works to develop additional evidence in support of determinations of entitlement to compensation and the amount of such compensation;
- Works closely with federal state and local agencies to collect evidence relevant to the Departments position;
- Evaluates claims for fraud and litigative risk and provides recommendations of entitlement.
- Drafts associated correspondence memoranda and documents relating to claims;
- Works closely with DOJ trial attorneys representing the United States in RECA Program matters that end up before the courts.
- Drafts legal pleadings and other documents that may be needed in defense of decisions made under the Act; and
- Participates in meetings and discussions with opposing counsel collaborating agencies state and local stakeholders regarding all aspects of claims and other matters related to the RECA Program.
Conditions of employment
- Must be a U.S. Citizen or National
- Must complete a Background Investigation to include drug testing
- Selective Service Registration is required as applicable
- May require completion of a 2-year trial period. (Please refer to the trial period statement under Qualifications.)
- This position does not require a clearance but you must be able to obtain one if needed for a case.
- It is the policy of the Department to achieve a drug-free workplace and persons selected for employment will be required to pass a drug test which screens for illegal drug use prior to final appointment.
- Financial Disclosure: If selected you will be required to disclose financial information in accordance with DOJ and Federal ethics guidelines.
Qualifications
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.
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 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.
Education
All academic degrees and coursework must be completed at a college or university that has obtained accreditation or pre-accreditation status from an accrediting body recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. For a list of schools that meet this criteria see .
OR
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 documentation must be in English or include an English translation.
Additional information
Veteran Preference: If you are entitled to or claim veterans preference (VP) you should indicate the type of veteran preference (5 or 10 points) you are claiming on your order to determine your eligibility you can find additional information at: is no formal rating system for applying veterans preference to attorney appointments in the excepted service; however the Department of Justice considers veterans preference eligibility as a positive factor in attorney hiring. Applicants eligible for veterans preference must include that information in their cover letter or resume and attach supporting documentation (e.g. the DD 214 Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty and other supporting documentation) to their submissions. Although the point system is not used per se applicants eligible to claim 10-point preference must submit Standard Form (SF) 15 Application for 10-Point Veterans Preference and submit the supporting documentation required for the specific type of preference claimed (visit the OPM website a copy of SF 15 which lists the types of 10-point preferences and the required supporting document(s).
DOJ EEO Statement/Policy: Accommodation Statement: Federal agencies must provide reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities where appropriate. Applicants requiring reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process should contact the hiring agency directly. Determinations on requests for reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis.
Schedule A: DOJ welcomes and encourages applications from persons with disabilities and is firmly committed to satisfying its affirmative obligations under the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 to ensure that persons with disabilities have every opportunity to be hired and advanced on the basis of merit within the Department. DOJ also encourages eligible Schedule A applicants to submit their resumes to and reference Federal Career Opportunities in the subject line. Additional information is found at: .
Selective Service: If you are a male applicant born after December 31 1959 you must certify that you have registered with the Selective Service System or are exempt from having to do so under the Selective Service Law. Additional information is found at: .
Fair Chance to Compete for Jobs: Unless otherwise required by law the Fair Chance to Compete for Jobs Act prohibits employees of the U.S. Department of Justice or a federal contractor acting on its behalffrom inquiring about an applicants criminal history record either in writing or orally before that individual receives a conditional offer of employment. Applicants who believe they have been subjected to a violation of the Fair Chance to Compete for Jobs Act may submit a written complaint within 30 days of the date of the alleged non-compliance directly to the hiring office using the contact information listed in the announcement.
Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government passionate about the ideals of our American republic and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.
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 windowLearn more about federal 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.
Required Experience:
IC
