Attorney Advisor

Clarification from the agency

This is a public notice flyer. Applications will not be accepted through USA Jobs. If you are interested in applying, please see the official announcement on the DOJs Legal Careers page.

About the Office

The National Security Division (NSD) provides legal and policy advice on national security matters, litigates counterterrorism, counterespionage, and foreign intelligence surveillance matters, represents the Government before the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Court and other federal trial and appellate courts, and conducts oversight over the activities of various United States Intelligence Community (USIC) agencies. NSD's overarching mission is to prevent and combat terrorism and protect the national security, which continues to be the Department's top priority.

The Office of Intelligence (OI) of the NSD is seeking experienced attorneys for its Oversight Section. At the direction of the Office of Assistant Attorney General (OAAG) for National Security, attorneys in the Oversight Section oversee foreign intelligence, counterintelligence, and other national security activities of the USIC, including activities pursuant to the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA), to ensure compliance with governing authorities and executive branch policies.

To accomplish this mandate, Oversight Section attorneys coordinate with representatives of USIC agencies to conduct reviews of the USIC's national security activities, including the collection, retention, and dissemination of foreign intelligence information. A significant part of the Oversight Section's work involves analyzing large volumes of information to assess the USIC's compliance with procedures governing the United States' foreign intelligence programs. Oversight Section attorneys must possess highly-developed interpersonal skills, as well as the ability to exercise sound judgment and keen focus for extended periods of time. Additionally, Oversight Section attorneys must possess strong analytic skills so that identified issues are fully investigated and resolved.

Oversight Section attorneys must be comfortable delivering training to large groups. Oversight Section attorneys are expected to travel, resulting in the attorney being out of town for up to several (non-consecutive) weeks per year, in order to conduct oversight reviews at USIC agencies and to conduct training during such reviews. Oversight Section attorneys are also engaged in developing policies relating to oversight and compliance matters. In addition to its oversight responsibilities, the Oversight Section also fulfills various reporting obligations, including statutorily required reporting to congressional oversight committees.

To fulfill those obligations, Oversight Section attorneys are responsible for tracking and synthesizing significant amounts of information and for drafting comprehensive reports for Congress. Oversight Section attorneys work closely with other components of the Department and with USIC agencies, often in collaboration with the Office of the Director of National Intelligence, to provide guidance on the interpretation and application of governing authorities. The Oversight Section also works closely with OI's Operations and Litigation Sections.

Conditions of employment

• You must be a United States Citizen or National.
• You will be required to complete a pre-employment security investigation and background check which includes a drug screening.
• You may be required to complete a one-year probationary period.
• Selective Service registration is required for males born on, or after, December 31st 1959. Those not registered should have an approved exemption on file.
• Financial Disclosure: If selected, you may be required to disclose financial information in accordance with DOJ and Federal ethics guidelines.

Qualifications

Qualifications

Must be able to meet JMD and NSD suitability criteria for this position.

Must be able to obtain and maintain a TOP SECRET/SCI security clearance. Failure to obtain or retain this level of security clearance and access will be grounds for reassignment, demotion, or removal from the Federal Service. Employee must successfully pass a urinalysis screening for illegal drug use prior to appointment and subsequent periodic drug screening thereafter.

This position is MISSION ESSENTIAL. Most, if not all, essential job functions must be performed in a Sensitive Compartmented Information Facility (SCIF). The incumbent is required to report for duty, in person, as necessary, in an emergency (regardless of holidays, weekends, nights, furloughs) or conditions such as weather in which non-essential personnel are not expected to report.

This position is not eligible for telework.

Applicants must possess a J.D. degree with at least three years of post-J.D. experience and be an active member of a bar (any jurisdiction).

Candidates must be able to demonstrate aptitude and interest in designing, developing, analyzing, managing, and implementing compliance programs and performing oversight to ensure compliance, improvement through remedial measures, management controls, and/or long-range planning of program activities.

Applicants must have superior academic credentials, possess excellent analytical and writing skills, and have the dedication and capacity to work both independently and collaboratively in a very demanding environment.

Applicants must be able to develop and maintain close and collaborative working relationships with colleagues within the Department and the USIC.

Applicants must possess the capability to both successfully organize and lead projects, including collaborating effectively with attorneys and other personnel at external audits and reviews, and to work well as a member of teams led by other attorneys.

Applicants must possess the ability to effectively manage multiple work assignments and competing priorities concurrently.

Applicants must be able to travel out of town for several non-consecutive weeks per year for the purpose of conducting onsite reviews and training at USIC agencies.

Candidates must personally volunteer for Department-wide initiatives, special projects, Division-initiatives and perform other duties as assigned.

Although past experience in national security/intelligence collection or in oversight/compliance areas is not required, please explain clearly in your cover letter your relevant experience and skills that bear on the work of the Oversight Section and explain clearly why you desire to perform oversight and compliance work related to national security and intelligence collection.

Candidates selected for an attorney position with NSD are expected to make a three-year commitment.

Only U.S. citizens are eligible for employment with the National Security Division.

How you will be evaluated

You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.

You will be evalusted for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.

- A cover letter highlighting your relevant skills and experience, describing your interest in oversight and compliance, and explaining how your professional experiences relate to the qualifications listed above
- A copy of your resume
- A writing sample (we encourage you to submit a legal memorandum or brief)
- A current performance appraisal (if a current performance appraisal is available)

Next steps

Fair and transparent

The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.