Clarification from the agency

This is a public notice flyer. Applications will not be accepted through USA Jobs. If you are interested in applying, please see the official announcement on the DOJs Legal Careers page.

About the Office

The mission of the National Security Division (NSD) is to coordinate the Department's efforts in carrying out its core mission of combating terrorism and protecting national security. 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 the Department of Justice'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. The Office of Law and Policy is responsible for, among other things, resolving novel and complex legal issues that arise from the work of the Division and other parts of the Department; providing advice and guidance to Department leadership, the Intelligence Community and other Executive Branch agencies on matters of national security law and policy; and developing policies in the area of national security. The Office works with a variety of other agencies and Department components.

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.

The National Security Division's Office of Law and Policy is seeking an experienced attorney for the position of Appellate Attorney. The Appellate Attorney, under the supervision of the National Security Division's Chief, Appellate Section, will draft briefs and argue cases before the federal courts of appeals in counterterrorism, counterespionage, and other national security cases. The Appellate Attorney will also provide legal advice on appellate issues of interest to the Division and will prepare adverse decision memoranda, appeal recommendations, and related documents, working closely with other Department of Justice appellate components and with the Solicitor General's Office.

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 at least 3-5 years of post J.D. professional experience to be qualified at the GS-15 level. Applicants must also have superior academic credentials, writing proficiency, and analytic skills, and significant experience with criminal litigation is preferred.
Applicants must also 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.

The application materials are required to be submitted electronically as a pdf file by all applicants (including attorneys currently appointed to positions in the Department of Justice) and emailed to NSD.LPO.applicant@USDOJ.GOV

Incomplete applications will not be considered.

When addressing the specialized experience statement, applicants must present evidence of the experience in their resume. If the specialized experience statement is repeated, in the applicant's resume, Human Resources will deem the applicant as ineligible.