Clarification from the agency

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About the Office

The mission of the National Security Division (NSD) is to coordinate the Department of Justice's (DOJ's) efforts in carrying out its core mission of combating terrorism and protecting national security, including protecting our national assets from state-sponsored threats to the private sector. NSD is responsible for supervising the enforcement of all federal criminal laws related to counterterrorism and counterespionage, except those specifically assigned to other divisions. NSD also serves as DOJ's liaison to the United States Intelligence Community (USIC) and represents the government and the USIC before the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Court. NSD advises the Attorney General regarding all matters of national security policy.

As the federal agency whose mission is to ensure the fair and impartial administration of justice for all Americans, the Department of Justice is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive work environment. To build and retain a workforce that reflects the diverse experiences and perspectives of the American people, we welcome applicants from the many communities, identities, races, ethnicities, backgrounds, abilities, religions, and cultures of the United States who share our commitment to public service.

Serve as an NSD Office of the General Counsel (OGC) attorney primarily assigned to support the NSD Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) Unit as a client. The attorney will work on matters of national and international scope that involve the balancing of public access with protecting national security and effective law enforcement. The selected candidate will be required to coordinate across the inter-agency with a focus on agencies and components of the Intelligence Community (IC), as well as with DOJ civil litigators from both the Civil Division's Federal Programs branch and U.S. Attorneys offices across the country. The attorney will ensure that NSD equites are protected in a host of high profile and complex matters, including those in litigation.

Provides legal advice to, and consults and coordinates with, personnel in DOJ and other federal agencies on issues at the intersection of national security and civil litigation with an emphasis on FOIA and other information disclosure-related matters, including in complicated multi-agency FOIA and Privacy Act (PA) cases. To that end, drafts, edits, and reviews legal documents, including briefs and declarations, relating to FOIA and PA cases in litigation and keeps others within NSD, as well as Department senior management, apprised of the status of litigation.

Provides guidance in the development and establishment of FOIA/PA policies and procedures to ensure that significant FOIA/PA issues are identified and addressed.

Supports the NSD Records Unit by providing legal advice and guidance in connection with requests for pre­publication review of material to determine whether it contains national security information. Provides legal advice and guidance in connection with classification reviews, especially those that may impact release of information pursuant to FOIA requests. Provides legal advice and guidance regarding general records and information retention and related issues as needed.

Provides support to the NSD FOIA Unit, the NSD Records Unit, and the NSD General Counsel as needed to advance the NSD mission.

Assists with other OGC responsibilities as assigned.

Conditions of employment

• Must be a U.S. Citizen or National
• Must complete a Background Investigation to include drug testing
• Selective Service Registration is required, as applicable
• May require completion of one year probationary period
• COVID vaccination status may be requested for the purposes of implementing workplace safety protocols.

Qualifications

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 1.5 or more years of post-J.D. professional experience to be qualified at the GS-13; 2.5 or more years of post-J.D. professional experience to be qualified at the GS-14; or 4 or more years of post-J.D. professional experience to be qualified at the GS-15 level. Applicants must also have superior academic credentials, writing and analytic skills, and the ability to communicate effectively.

Applicants with experience in FOIA, national security, law enforcement or prosecution matters are preferred.

Candidates selected for an attorney position with NSD are expected to make a three-year commitment to NSD.

Only U.S. citizens are eligible for employment with the National Security Division.

Applicants must be able to qualify for the highest and most sensitive security clearances.

How you will be evaluated

You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.

To apply for the position, please submit a resume and a cover letter (highlighting your relevant experience), a writing sample that exhibits your own legal writing skills (no longer than ten pages), and a copy of your most recent performance appraisal (if available) to:

generalcounselofficevacancy@usdoj.gov

ATTN: OGC Attorney Advisor Vacancy

No telephone calls please.