What are the responsibilities and job description for the Supervisory Attorney Advisor position at U.S. Department of Justice?
Florence, CO 81226 - United States
The legal practice at the Consolidated Legal Center (CLC) Florence, Colorado, covers a wide variety of issues focusing on correctional law and litigation, either through administrative or litigation channels and includes but is not limited to such matters as inmates' reasonable access to the courts (through access to legal materials, legal correspondence, and attorney-client visits), conditions of confinement, medical care, diet and religious accommodations, housing assignments, hygiene and sanitation, discipline, civil commitment, and other mental health matters. The incumbent will work closely with the United States Attorneys' Office handling litigation issues.
The position includes supervision of staff in a legal office that oversees the legal operations associated with the Federal Correctional Complex: Administrative Maximum, United States Penitentiary, Federal Correctional Institution, and the Federal Prison Camp, Florence, Colorado, and the Federal Correctional Institution, Englewood, Colorado. Incumbent may be asked to periodically travel to and provide on-site legal services at the facility in Englewood and to participate in judicial proceedings in Denver. The incumbent will be expected to provide advice and guidance to all levels of staff at these correctional facilities, including members of the Executive Staff. The incumbent will also be expected to communicate with defense attorneys, prosecutors, federal courts, and agency officials. The incumbent must have thorough knowledge of all aspects of BOP policy and practice as he/she may be required to appear in District Court on short notice to explain and advocate the agency's rationale for its correctional management decisions.
This is a primary law enforcement position. Although 5 U.S.C. 3307 established a maximum entry age of 36 for initial appointment to a position in a Bureau of Prisons institution, applicants for this announcement can be considered up to age 39. If you are above the maximum entry age and have prior federal law enforcement coverage, you must submit an SF-50 to verify prior coverage. Qualified Preference Eligible Veterans may be exempt from meeting the maximum age. The duties of this position may at times require frequent and direct contact with individuals in confinement who are suspected or convicted of serious criminal offenses. It has also been determined that the duties of this position require experience and knowledge of the on-the-job responsibilities of a primary law enforcement officer working in a detention facility. A prerequisite requirement of this position is the successful completion of "Institution Familiarization" and, the satisfactory completion of a mandatory course in "Introduction to Correctional Techniques."
Because of the nature and mission of this position, it requires "hands-on" understanding of the issues encompassed in working within an institution. The incumbent may be called on to perform as a law enforcement officer in a correctional environment during training, emergency situations, times of staff shortages, and under any other type of correctional operating crisis. Specific correctional responsibilities may include custody and supervision of inmates, responding to emergencies and institution disturbances, participating in fog and escape patrols, and assuming correctional officer posts when necessary. The incumbent may be required to shakedown inmates and conduct visual searches in their work or living area for contraband. The incumbent must be prepared to use physical control in situations where necessary, such as in fights among inmates, assaults on staff, and riots or escape attempts."
Applicant must possess a J.D. degree, be an active member of the bar (any U.S. jurisdiction), and have at least 3 years of post-J.D. legal or other relevant experience.
Preferred qualifications: Prior supervisory and experience in correctional law is highly desired.
Applicants must submit a cover letter (highlighting relevant experience), resume and a writing sample by August 29, 2025, to Tina Scofield, Acting Regional Counsel, at cscofield@bop.gov.
Applicants should familiarize themselves and comply with the relevant rules of professional conduct regarding any possible conflicts of interest in connection with their applications. In particular, please notify this Office if you currently represent clients or adjudicate matters in which this Office is involved and/or you have a family member who is representing clients or adjudicating matters in which this Office is involved so that we can evaluate any potential conflicts of interest or disqualification issues that may need to be addressed under those circumstances.
Current salary and years of experience will determine the appropriate salary level. The possible salary range, including locality pay adjustments, is GS-14/15.