About this role
Job SummaryThis position is located in the Drug Enforcement Administrator (DEA), Office of Chief Counsel. This position primary purpose is to provide legal advice and support to DEA management and field offices worldwide. CC attorneys coordinate with DEA investigative personnel, provide legal training, and respond to requests for assistance from DEA Division Counsel. Department of Justice (DOJ) agencies post experienced attorney job announcements on the DOJ Careers page.
QualificationsAll qualification requirements must be met by the closing date of this announcement. Five (5) or more years of Law Enforcement and/or criminal investigations background is required. All applicants must be an active member of a bar in good standing (any U.S. jurisdiction) and possess: 1) a J.D. degree (or equivalent) and have at least 5-year post-J.D. (or equivalent) legal or other relevant experience; 2) excellent academic credentials; 3) strong oral and written advocacy skills; 4) superior legal research and analytical skills; and 5) a demonstrated ability to function with minimal guidance in a highly demanding environment. Applicants applying for the GS-15 must have 5 or more years of post J.D. legal experience in law enforcement operations or use of force, criminal or civil litigation, and/or legal instruction or course development.
Major DutiesThe Strategic Programs Section (SPS) is comprised of attorneys, Special Agent Attorneys, and technical support staff, who provide a wide range of support to meet DEA's operational needs. The purpose of SPS is to focus on some of DEA's most prevalent and visible programs, and to facilitate: - The mitigation of legal risks to the agency and its personnel through thoughtful and creative legal guidance. - DEA personnel receiving thorough and detailed entry level and in-service training. - Proper coordination and communication both within DEA and externally with other enforcement and regulatory agencies. In addition, the Use of Force Unit has Special Agent Attorneys within the Section who instruct at Basic Agent, Basic Intelligence Research Specialist, Basic Diversion Investigator, Basic Forensic Chemist, Group Supervisor Schools, and at numerous other courses conducted at the Academy. Special Agent Attorneys: Perform legal reviews of lesson plans for the entire Office of Training. This Unit does ongoing analysis of Agency priorities or changes in the law to determine the need for new or updated legal training. Conduct research in all facets of drug law enforcement operations. Research development of programs of instruction, lesson plans, evaluations, tests, and written legal materials produced by the Attorney/Instructor focus on the legal issues related to the operational needs of DEA personnel. Research legal issues related to criminal investigations, intelligence, forensics, and diversion prevention. Conduct studies and evaluations of all instruction required in the DEA training programs in order to assist in developing the appropriate legal curriculum for courses of study related to criminal investigations, intelligence, forensics, and diversion prevention. Establish, develop, and maintain professional relationships with other attorneys and experts in DEA and other agencies within the areas of DEA training programs in order to remain informed regarding the nature of emerging or current legal issues related to criminal investigations, intelligence, forensics, and diversion prevention. Conduct presentations, briefings, lectures and other legal training programs both at the DEA Training Academy in Quantico, Virginia, and in the field. Conduct the primary legal training during the basic training programs at the DEA Training Academy in addition to conducting advanced training in various legal topics pertaining to the counterdrug mission. Coordinate, conduct, and participate in moot court exercises at the DEA Training Academy and in the field, as necessary, and work with members of the DEA Training Academy staff in constructing scenarios suitable for later use as the basis for moot court exercises. Coordinate the participation of other attorneys assisting in the playing of the roles of prosecutor, defense counsel, and judge in moot court exercises.