DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES: The Office of the Attorney General, Neighborhood and Victim Services Section (“NVS”) of the Public Safety Division is seeking candidates for two trial attorney positions. The incumbent of each position will have primary responsibility for working with other District of Columbia agencies, such as the Metropolitan Police Department, Fire and Emergency Medical Services, the Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs, the Department of Public Works, and law enforcement agencies to address nuisance properties in District neighborhoods that contribute to blight and criminal activity. This includes criminal and civil prosecution of property owners who commit housing code violations, property owners who leave properties vacant without maintaining them, property owners and builders who violate the housing and construction codes, and property owners who allow residences to become havens for drug, gun, and prostitution nuisances as specified in the Drug, Firearm, or Prostitution-Related Nuisance Abatement Act. Moreover, the incumbent will be charged with investigating, negotiating and litigating cases identified as essential to protecting affordable housing and tenant’s rights through the OAG’s housing initiatives, as well as litigating to protect District residents from other abuses, potentially including wage theft and other improper labor and employment practices. The incumbent will work with other members of the Public Safety Division and OAG to attend and participate in a number of community meetings and discussions. The incumbent will work closely with the existing Assistant Attorney Generals ("AAGs”) and Section Chief in NVS in a collegial team atmosphere. The AAGs are tasked with implementing law enforcement strategies and problem-solving through government and community collaboration in District neighborhoods. This involves providing legal assistance to District agencies, actively participating in community meetings, devising intervention strategies, formulating plans for ongoing health and safety services, referring individuals for proper law enforcement action and appropriate social services, identifying nuisance properties that are attracting crime or causing blight in neighborhoods, and making additional efforts as needed to ensure the cooperation of all pertinent agencies for appropriate final resolution.
QUALIFICATIONS: The successful candidate must have a law degree and must either be a member of or eligible for waiver into the District of Columbia Bar. If a candidate is selected and is not a member of the District of Columbia Bar, he/she must apply for membership and show proof of such prior to the commencement of employment. Candidates should have civil and/or criminal litigation and trial experience, and experience with investigations. Candidates should be highly motivated and interested in developing new cases and applying laws that have not previously been utilized. Strong public speaking and interpersonal skills are a must, as are strong research and writing skills. Establishing and maintaining harmonious working relationships with coworkers, investigators, staff from other agencies, and the private sector, is critical. Candidates should possess the ability to work under pressure without sacrificing quality of work and the ability to adapt easily to change. Candidates should have strong interest in nuisance-related work and working with the community. The candidate must have the ability to work across disciplines, and the ability to work with a high degree of independence. The ideal candidate should also have a demonstrated commitment to social justice, with a sincere passion for seeking justice for individuals and communities.
ELIGIBILITY: The successful candidate must have a law degree and be an active member in good standing of the bar of any jurisdiction. If not a member of the District of Columbia Bar, the candidate must be sworn into the District of Columbia Bar within 360 days of his/her initial appointment with the Office of the Attorney General for the District of Columbia.
HOW TO APPLY: Candidates should e-mail one PDF file which includes: 1) a cover letter (must include the vacancy number) summarizing why you are interested and the skills and abilities you possess that will enable you to succeed in this position; 2) résumé; 3) list of three references; and 4) a writing sample to OAG.RecruitmentAttorney@dc.gov by 11:59pm of the closing date indicated above, addressed to Arlyntha Love (202-724-7716), Office of the Attorney General for the District of Columbia, 441 4th Street NW, Washington, DC 20001.
PRIORITY CONSIDERATION: Displaced Employee Priority Placement: Candidates who are eligible for the District of Columbia’s Displaced Employee Program (DEP) and Agency Reemployment Priority Placement Program (ARPP) will be given priority consideration for this position if found qualified.
EMPLOYMENT BENEFITS: Selectee will be eligible for health and life insurance, annual (vacation) and sick leave and will be covered under the District of Columbia government’s retirement plan. However, if selectee was previously employed in the District of Columbia’s government under an appointment for which he/she was eligible for Civil Service Retirement (CSR), contributions to CSR will resume upon re-employment.
VETERANS’ PREFERENCE: Applicants claiming veterans’ preference must submit official proof at the time of application.
DRUG-FREE WORKPLACE: Pursuant to the requirements of the Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1998, the individual selected to fill this position will, as a condition of employment, be required to notify his/her immediate supervisor, in writing, not later than five (5) days after conviction of or a plea of guilty to a violation of any criminal drug statute occurring in the workplace.
OTHER INFORMATION: The selected candidate will be subject to a background investigation including reference checks.
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER: All qualified candidates will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, marital status, personal appearance, sexual orientation, family responsibilities, matriculation, physical handicap, genetic information or political affiliation.
NOTICE OF NON-DISCRIMINATION: In accordance with the D.C. Human Rights Act of 1977, as amended, D.C. Official Code, Section 2-1401.01 et. seq., (Act) the District of Columbia does not discriminate on the basis of actual or perceived race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, marital status, personal appearance, sexual orientation, familial status, family responsibilities, matriculation, political affiliation, disability, genetic information, source of income, or place of residence or business. Sexual harassment is a form of sex discrimination which is also prohibited by the Act. In addition, harassment based on any of the above protected categories is prohibited by the Act. Discrimination in violation of the Act will not be tolerated. Violators will be subject to disciplinary action.
OFFICIAL JOB OFFERS ARE TO BE MADE ONLY BY THE HUMAN RESOURCES SECTION OF THE OFFICE OF THE ATTORNEY GENERAL