About this role
Job SummaryThe Office of Foreign Litigation (OFL) is responsible for handling litigation in foreign courts in which the United States is a party or has an interest. Well-qualified candidates may be eligible for a signing bonus of up to $25,000, depending on qualifications, education, and other factors. All recipients of a signing bonus are required to fulfill a service obligation.
QualificationsInterested 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. To qualify at the GS-11 grade level, applicants must have up to one (1) year of legal experience. To qualify at the GS-12 grade level, applicants must have minimum (1) or more years post-J.D. legal experience To qualify at the GS-13 grade level, applicants must possess at least one and one-half (1.5) years of post-J.D. legal experience. To qualify at the GS-14 grade level, applicants must possess at least two and one-half (2.5) years of post-J.D. legal experience. To qualify at the GS-15 grade level, applicants must possess at least four (4) years of post-J.D. legal experience. Qualifications must be met by the closing date of the vacancy announcement. Preferred qualifications: An exceptional academic background, experience in international law or foreign comparative law, overseas experience, significant experience in investigating and managing complex litigation, and foreign language skills are desirable. Applicants should have a strong interest in litigation, as well as excellent interpersonal and negotiation skills. Excellent writing skills and good judgment are critical. The incumbent must be comfortable in communicating with people from foreign cultures with a wide range of English skills, and must be willing to adjust work schedules, as required, to accommodate international time zones and imminent deadlines. Ability to obtain or maintain a secret/top secret security clearance is preferred. Attorneys with a foreign law degree are preferred to have a L.L.M. from an accredited U.S. law school. 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 DutiesThe incumbent will not litigate in court but will work closely with client agencies and foreign counsel to investigate and litigate civil and/or criminal cases abroad and/or advise and process individual judicial assistance requests, considering the legal issues that commonly arise in connection with such requests. The work with foreign counsel entails providing detailed instructions and advice relating to the handling of assigned matters. An important aspect of the position is to maintain close overall supervision of assigned matters and to develop appropriate litigation strategies that are consistent with the policies of the United States, the Department of Justice, the client agencies, the local law of the forum, doctrines of public international law, and the overall foreign policy and programmatic interests of the United States. In addition, the incumbent will provide legal advice to other DOJ components, federal agencies, and U.S. embassies on a wide variety of issues involving current or potential foreign litigation, foreign and international law, the impact of foreign and international law programs or activities undertaken abroad, and/or international judicial assistance. Because foreign litigation affects the foreign policy of the United States, as well as other U.S. government policies and activities, the incumbent will closely coordinate with other agencies, including the Department of State and U.S. embassies abroad, regarding pending or potential foreign litigation. This is not a remote location position. You will be required to work in person five days a week.