Attorney Advisor (General)
About the role
The Diversion Law Section within the Department of Justice (DOJ) works with investigators across the country to enforce federal regulations concerning the pharmaceutical industry and controlled substances. Attorneys in this section engage in various activities including administrative enforcement actions, legal guidance, litigation, regulation review, and training.
Responsibilities
- Litigation Attorneys: Represent the DEA in administrative hearings and civil litigation regarding license revocations, denials, suspensions, regulatory violations, or revocation of DEA Registrations for doctors, pharmacies, distributors, and manufacturers.
- Litigation Attorneys: Provide legal advice on the enforcement of the Controlled Substances Act (CSA) and the Chemical Diversion and Trafficking Act.
- Litigation Attorneys: Work with DEA Special Agents, Diversion Investigators, federal/state law enforcement, and prosecutors on criminal, civil, and administrative cases.
- Litigation Attorneys: Advise Diversion Investigators and Special Agents on civil and regulatory issues during active investigations and draft charging documents.
- Legal Review Attorneys: Serve as legal advisors on all issues related to the diversion of controlled substances and listed chemicals into illegitimate channels.
- Legal Review Attorneys: Advise the DEA on its authorities under the CSA, including drug and chemical control, drug scheduling actions, and quotas.
- Legal Review Attorneys: Review and provide legal advice on relevant legislation and agency policies.
- Legal Review Attorneys: Review rules, regulations, and notices relating to the legitimate handling of controlled substances and listed chemicals, and evaluate them for compliance with the requirements of federal statutes including the CSA and the Administrative Procedure Act.
Requirements
- U.S. Citizenship
- Top Secret Security Clearance
- Registered for Selective Service
- Pass Drug Testing
- Active Member of a Bar Association
Conditions of employment include a satisfactory pre-employment adjudication, including fingerprints, credit and tax checks, and drug testing. Continued employment is subject to a favorable adjudication of a background investigation. Selectees will be required to serve a 1-year OR 2-year trial period, as appropriate, during which their fitness will be evaluated.
Qualifications
- J.D. degree (or equivalent)
- At least 2 years of post-J.D. (or equivalent) legal or other relevant experience
- Excellent academic credentials
- Strong oral and written advocacy skills
- Superior legal research and analytical skills
- Demonstrated ability to function with minimal guidance in a highly demanding environment
Preferred Experience:
- Expertise in the Controlled Substances Act for litigating attorneys
- Experience in litigation and regulatory compliance for litigating attorneys
- Extensive knowledge of the Administrative Procedure Act for legal review attorneys
- Knowledge of the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act (FDCA) or training/experience in scientific areas such as biochemistry or pharmacology for legal review attorneys
To Qualify for Each GS Level:
- GS-13: 2 or more years of post J.D. litigation, APA legal experience, and/or a judicial clerkship(s)
- GS-14: 3 or more years of post J.D. litigation, APA legal experience, and/or a judicial clerkship(s)
- GS-15: 4 or more years of post J.D. litigation, APA legal experience, and/or a judicial clerkship(s)
Education:
- A J.D. degree from a law school accredited by the American Bar Association
Additional Information:
- Character and Conduct Evaluation
- Drug Policy Requirements
- Credit History
- Candor and Honesty
- Work History
- History with the Law
- Other Qualities Detracting from Integrity and Efficiency
Multiple positions may be filled from this announcement. Applicants should familiarize themselves and comply with the relevant rules of professional conduct regarding any possible conflicts of interest in connection with their applications. Please notify this office if you currently represent clients or adjudicate matters in which this office is involved and/or you have a family member who represents clients or adjudicates matters in which this office is involved so that we can evaluate any potential conflict of interest or disqualification issue that may need to be addressed under those circumstances.
Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.