Trial Attorney - Torts-Vaccine Litigation
Department Of Justice
Offices, Boards and Divisions
Torts-Vaccine Litigation
Job Announcement Number: TA-Torts-ETL-2014-01
SALARY RANGE: $75,621.00 to $138,136.00 / Per Year
OPEN PERIOD: Wednesday, March 19, 2014 to Wednesday, April 2, 2014
SERIES & GRADE: GS-0905-12/14
POSITION INFORMATION: Full Time - Excepted Service Permanent
PROMOTION POTENTIAL: 15
DUTY LOCATIONS:
1 vacancy in the following location:
Washington DC, DC View Map
WHO MAY APPLY: United States Citizens
SECURITY CLEARANCE: Public Trust - Background Investigation
SUPERVISORY STATUS: No
JOB SUMMARY:
Are you interested in a rewarding and challenging career? Join the U.S. Department of Justice!!
The Civil Division, with more than 1,000 attorneys and 14 litigating components, represents the United States, its departments and agencies, Members of Congress, Cabinet officers and other Federal employees.
Trial attorneys in the Vaccine Litigation Group represent the interests of the Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services in all cases filed in the U.S. Court of Federal Claims under the National Childhood Vaccine Injury Act. The cases involve claims of injury as a result of the receipt of vaccines covered by the Act. The position offers a unique experience in public service and involves significant trial practice. The legal and medical issues at stake in each case vary greatly. Trial attorneys independently manage heavy case loads, and while streamlined procedures are utilized, cases frequently involve complex scientific issues of causation that routinely require employment of experts in medical fields such as pediatrics, neurology, immunology and epidemiology. In cases in which petitioners are found entitled to compensation, the litigation requires retention and management of experts to develop an appropriate life care plan for the injured party – to include medical, remedial care, rehabilitation, calculation of lost earnings, actuarial projections and structured settlements.
Link to the Torts-CSTL-Vaccine website: http://www.justice.gov/civil/common/vicp.html
TRAVEL REQUIRED
· Occasional Travel
RELOCATION AUTHORIZED
· No
KEY REQUIREMENTS
· You must be a U.S. Citizen or National.
· Resume and supporting documents (See How To Apply section).
· You may be subjected to undergo a urinalysis for a drug test.
· Moving and Relocation Expenses are not authorized.
· You must undergo a pre-employment security investigation.
DUTIES:
Attorneys appear frequently before the Office of Special Masters in the U.S. Court of Federal Claims, and also appear before the judges of the Court, as well as in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit when handling appeals. Responsibilities include factual and legal research, brief writing, working with expert witnesses to develop the defense of claims, as well as to address the life care needs of vaccine-injured petitioners. Attorneys also engage regularly in settlement negotiations, including alternative dispute resolution, as well as analysis of and responding to attorneys’ fees and costs requests.
QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED:
Applicants must be a graduate from a full course of study in a School of Law accredited by the American Bar Association and be a member in good standing of the bar of a state, territory of the United States, the District of Columbia, or the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico.
Applicants must possess a J.D. degree, be an active member of the bar (any jurisdiction), have at least one year of post J.D. experience to qualify at the GS-12 level; two years of post J.D. experience to qualify at the GS-13 level; and three years of post J.D. experience to qualify at the GS-14 level. You must also be a U.S. citizen.
Applicants should have excellent writing, negotiation, and interpersonal skills, exhibit excellent judgment, and have a strong interest in trial and appellate practice. Experience in litigating medical injury and/or products liability cases, and working with medical expert witnesses is strongly preferred. The ideal candidate would enjoy working independently and as part of a team, and feel comfortable in a courtroom setting. Applicants must exhibit the ability to work in a supportive and professional manner with staff, attorney supervisors, and the client agency.
HOW YOU WILL BE EVALUATED:
Your application will be evaluated by a reviewing panel.
BENEFITS:
The Department of Justice offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes, in part, paid vacation; sick leave; holidays; situational telework; life insurance; health benefits; and participation in the Federal Employees Retirement System. This link provides an overview of the benefits currently offered to Federal employees: https://www.usajobs.gov/index.php/Pay_and_Benefits
OTHER INFORMATION:
You must submit to a drug test and receive a negative drug test before you can be appointed to this position.
You will need to successfully complete a background security investigation before you can be appointed to this position.
Relocation expenses will not be paid.
For more information about the Civil Division visit the Justice Department web site at: http://www.usdoj/civilindex.html
Other attorney vacancy announcements can be found at: http://www.usdoj.gov/oarm/attvacancies.html
EEO Statement:
The United States Government does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, age, membership in an employee organization, or other non-merit factor.
Reasonable 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.
HOW TO APPLY:
You must submit a cover letter, resume, and brief writing sample. (12 pages or less) If you are claiming veterans preference, you must also submit your DD-214, and/or other documentation that support your claim. PLEASE DO NOT SUBMIT ANY OTHER DOCUMENTATION.
You must EMAIL your application to: CSTL-Vaccine.Vacancies@usdoj.gov
Please use 'Announcement #TA-Torts-CSTLVac-2014-01' as your SUBJECT LINE.
You must submit your application so that it will be RECEIVED by the closing date of the announcement, EST.
REQUIRED DOCUMENTS:
· Cover Letter (Highlighting relevant experience)
· Resume - Applicants are encouraged to ensure work experiences clearly show the possession of knowledge of the subject matter pertinent to the position and the technical skills to successfully perform the duties of the position.
· Brief Writing Sample (12 pages or less)
· Current performance appraisal (if applicable)
· Veteran Preference documentation, if applicable.
AGENCY CONTACT INFO:
Crystal Roy
Phone: (202)305-2718
Email: CRYSTAL.ROY@USDOJ.GOV
Agency Information:
Civil Division DOJ
PO BOX 14660
Ben Franklin Station
Washington, DC
20044
WHAT TO EXPECT NEXT:
Once the online application is received, you will receive an acknowledgement email that your submission was successful. All qualified applications will be sent forward to the hiring official for review. You will be contacted directly if an interview is desired.
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FEDERAL BUREAU OF PRISONS
OFFICE OF GENERAL COUNSEL
EMPLOYMENT LAW AND ETHICS BRANCH
ATTORNEY-ADVISOR
GS-905-12/13/14
About the Office: The primary mission of the Employment Law and Ethics Branch (ELE) is to defend the Agency in labor and employment discrimination cases before the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) and the Federal Labor Relations Authority (FLRA). ELE staff also represent the Agency before the Merit Systems Protection Board (MSPB) and before labor arbitrators. In civil complaints of discrimination, ELE provides legal assistance to AUSAs and provides assistance to DOJ Civil Division attorneys in pay and other cases before the Court of Federal Claims. ELE staff also review domestic violence cases and compressed work schedules. They provide legal advice to management officials in labor and employment law matters. In addition to the Central Office located in Washington, DC, ELE has satellite offices in Grand Prairie, Texas, Phoenix, Arizona, Stockton, California, Atlanta, Georgia, and Kansas City, Kansas.
Responsibilities and Opportunity Offered: The incumbent will have the responsibility of litigating cases before administrative judges at the MSPB, EEOC, FLRA, as well as other administrative forums. The incumbent will have the opportunity to be directly involved in the preparation of Federal District Court trials.
Qualifications: Required qualifications: Interested parties must possess a J.D. degree, be an active member of the bar (any jurisdiction), and have at least one year post-J.D. experience.
Preferred qualifications: Prior experience in labor and employment discrimination and/or general litigation is highly desired.
Travel: Frequent travel is required.
Number of Vacancies: One (1)
Salary Information: Current salary and years of experience will determine the appropriate salary level. The appropriate salary range, including locality pay adjustments is GS-12 ($75,621 to $98,305); GS-13 ($89,924 to $116,901); or GS-14 ($106,263 to $138,136).
Location: Washington, DC
Relocation Expenses: Not authorized.
Submission Process and Deadline Date: Applicants must submit a cover letter highlighting relevant experience, resume, and a writing sample post marked by March 24, 2014 to:
U.S. Department of Justice
Federal Bureau of Prisons
Office of General Counsel
Employment Law and Ethics Branch, Room 254C
320 First Street, NW
Washington, DC 20534
Attention: Chung-Hi Yoder
You may also submit your application packet via e-mail to chyoder@bop.gov. Please title the subject heading “Attorney DC 03 14.”
No telephone calls please. This position is open until filled, but no later than March 24, 2014.
Department Policies: The U.S. Department of Justice is an Equal Opportunity/Reasonable Accommodation Employer. Except where otherwise provided by law, there will be no discrimination because of color, race, religion, national origin, political affiliation, marital status, disability (physical or mental), age, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, genetic information, status as a parent, membership or non-membership in an employee organization, on the basis of personal favoritism, or any non merit factor. The Department of Justice welcomes and encourages applications from persons with physical and mental disabilities. The Department 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 of Justice. This agency provides reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities where appropriate. If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process, please notify the agency. Determinations on requests for reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis.
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. Employment is also contingent upon the completion and satisfactory adjudication of a background investigation. Only U.S. citizens are eligible for employment with the Executive Office for Immigration Review and the United States Attorneys’ Offices. Unless otherwise indicated in a particular job advertisement, non-U.S. Citizens may apply for employment with other organizations, but should be advised that appointments of non-U.S. Citizens are extremely rare; such appointments would be possible only if necessary to accomplish the Department's mission and would be subject to strict security requirements. Applicants who hold dual citizenship in the U.S. and another country will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
There 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 Veteran Preference, and submit the supporting documentation required for the specific type of preference claimed (visit the OPM website, www.opm.gov/forms/pdf_fill/SF15.pdf for a copy of SF 15, which lists the types of 10-point preferences and the required supporting document(s). Applicants should note that SF 15 requires supporting documentation associated with service-connected disabilities or receipt of non-service-connected disability pensions to be dated 1991 or later except in the case of service members submitting official statements or retirement orders from a branch of the Armed Forces showing that his or her retirement was due to a permanent service-connected disability or that he/she was transferred to the permanent disability retired list (the statement or retirement orders must indicate that the disability is 10% or more).
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The Department of Justice cannot control further dissemination and/or posting of information contained in this vacancy announcement. Such posting and/or dissemination are not an endorsement by the Department of the organization or group disseminating and/or posting the information.
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United States Department of Justice
National Security Division
Counterespionage Section
Experienced Trial Attorneys, GS-905-13/14/15
About the Office: The National Security Division (NSD) leads the Department’s efforts to prevent and combat terrorism and to protect the national security. 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 FBI national security investigations and foreign intelligence collection.
The Counterespionage Section (CES) investigates, prosecutes and supervises the investigation and prosecution of cases affecting the national security and foreign relations of the United States, including espionage and sabotage involving traditional and cyber activities, violations of trade embargoes, and cases involving the illegal export of military and/or strategic commodities, which increasingly involve computer hacking and unauthorized exfiltration. The Section has exclusive responsibility for authorizing the prosecution of cases under criminal statutes relating to espionage, sabotage, neutrality and atomic energy. It provides legal advice to U.S. Attorney’s Offices and investigates agencies on all matters within its area of responsibility, which includes 90 federal statutes affecting the national security, as well as other cases that affect, relate to, or involve the national security, regardless of the underlying statute. The Section also coordinates criminal cases involving the application of the Classified Information Procedures Act and administers and enforces the Foreign Agents Registration Act and related disclosure statutes.
Responsibilities and Opportunities Offered: CES attorneys provide legal advice and guidance to the investigative and intelligence communities in the development of cases for prosecution, and they assist the United States Attorney’s Offices when prosecution is undertaken, ensuring, among other things, that intelligence community equities are identified and protected.
Qualifications: Applicants must possess a J.D. degree, be duly licensed and authorized to practice as an attorney under the laws of a State, territory, or the District of Columbia and have at least 1.5 years of post-J.D. legal experience. Applicants should have an interest in national security matters and possess excellent writing skills. Significant experience in litigation involving, or a strong interest in, computer intrusion investigations is desirable. Applicants must be able to obtain a TS/SCI clearance.
Travel: Occasional travel will be required.
Salary Information: Current salary and years of experience determine the appropriate salary level:
(GS-13): $89,924- $116, 901 per annum
(GS-14): $106,263-$138,136 per annum
(GS-15): $124,995-$157,100 per annum
Location: Washington, D.C.
Relocation Expenses: Relocation expenses are not authorized.
Application Process: To apply for this position, please submit a resume, a cover letter (highlighting relevant experience), a writing sample (not to exceed 10 pages), and a current performance appraisal (if applicable) to:
U.S. Department of Justice
Counterespionage Section
600 E Street, NW, Room10606
Washington, DC 20004
ATTN: Kathleen Kedian
No telephone calls please.
Or apply by email to: cesattorneyhire4@usdoj.govwith the subject line "CES Attorney Hire."
Applications will be handled on a rolling basis until all available positions are filled.
Internet Sites: This and selected other legal position announcements can be found on the internet at: http://www.justice.gov/careers/legal/attvacancies.html
For more information about the National Security Division, please visit the NSD Web page at: http://www.usdoj.gov/nsd/
Department Policies: The U.S. Department of Justice is an Equal Opportunity/Reasonable Accommodation Employer. Except where otherwise provided by law, there will be no discrimination because of color, race, religion, national origin, political affiliation, marital status, disability (physical or mental), age, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, genetic information, status as a parent, membership or non-membership in an employee organization, on the basis of personal favoritism, or any non-merit factor. The Department of Justice welcomes and encourages applications from persons with physical and mental disabilities. The Department 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 of Justice. This agency provides reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities where appropriate. If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process, please notify the agency. Determinations on requests for reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis.
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. Employment is also contingent upon the completion and satisfactory adjudication of a background investigation. Only U.S. citizens are eligible for employment with the Executive Office for Immigration Review and the United States Attorneys’ Offices. Unless otherwise indicated in a particular job advertisement, non-U.S. citizens may apply for employment with other organizations, but should be advised that appointments of non-U.S. citizens are extremely rare; such appointments would be possible only if necessary to accomplish the Department's mission and would be subject to strict security requirements. Applicants who hold dual citizenship in the U.S. and another country will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
There 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 Veteran Preference, and submit the supporting documentation required for the specific type of preference claimed (visit the OPM website, www.opm.gov/forms/pdfimage/sf0015.pdf, for a copy of SF 15, which lists the types of 10-point preferences and the required supporting documents). Applicants should note that SF 15 requires supporting documentation associated with service-connected disabilities or receipt of nonservice-connected disability pensions to be dated within the last 12 months except in the case of service members submitting official statements or retirement orders from a branch of the Armed Forces showing that his or her retirement was due to a permanent service-connected disability or that he/she was transferred to the permanent disability retired list (the statement or retirement orders must indicate that the disability is 10% or more).
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The Department of Justice cannot control further dissemination and/or posting of information contained in this vacancy announcement. Such posting and/or dissemination is not an endorsement by the Department of the organization or group disseminating and/or posting the information.