Supervisory Trial Attorney

Closing Date: 31st May, 2024

Description:

Summary:
The Torts Branch is seeking a Supervisory Trial Attorney (Assistant Director) for its Federal Tort Claims Act (FTCA) Section. The FTCA Section handles a wide variety of complex, and often controversial, suits filed against the United States under the FTCA. These suits arise from, among other conduct, the provision of medical care at federal facilities or community health centers, federal regulatory activities, law enforcement and immigration enforcement, and management of federal lands.
Duties:
The FTCA Section provides appeal recommendations on adverse FTCA judgments, including cases handled by USAOs. The Section also reviews draft legislation that may have an impact on the public fisc. It is responsible for the adjustment and settlement of administrative claims arising out of the conduct of employees of the Department of Justice (DOJ), and for approving administrative settlements of claims arising out of the activities of all other federal agencies that are in excess of the settlement authority delegated to those agencies. Finally, the FTCA Section provides recommendations to the Assistant Attorney General in charge of the Civil Division concerning requests for authority to consummate all settlements of tort claims that require the approval of the Assistant Attorney General or Associate General. The Assistant Director oversees attorneys assigned to these tasks.
This is a supervisory position. The Assistant Director is responsible for handling difficult and complex lawsuits and for supervising FTCA Section attorneys. Counsel reviews written work products, approves of discovery plans, and oversees the development of litigation and trial strategy. The Assistant Director also works in conjunction with USAOs and federal agency counsel, analyzes factual and legal issues, and assists in negotiating settlements of assigned cases being handled by the FTCA Section. Because the Section has expertise in the evaluation and settlement of catastrophic injury cases, the Assistant Director may participate in settlement negotiations of claims handled by other federal agencies or in cases handled by USAOs. The Assistant Director provides advice and instructions to Assistant U.S. Attorneys on questions of law and Departmental policy.
Requirements:
Conditions of Employment:

• Must be a U.S. Citizen or National
• You will be required to complete a pre-employment security investigation and background check which includes a drug screening.
• Selective Service Registration is required, as applicable.
• May require completion of a fourteen month trial period, subject to extension, pending the completion and adjudication of your background check.
• Must be able to obtain and maintain a Top Secret security clearance with eligibility for Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI) access depending on organizational assignment / duty location.
• 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.
• Financial Disclosure: If selected, you will be required to disclose financial information in accordance with DOJ and Federal ethics guidelines.
• Upon conversion to a permanent appointment with the Department, all Department attorneys are subject to a two-year trial period.

Qualifications:
Applicants must possess a J.D. degree, be duly licensed and authorized to practice as an attorney under the laws of any state, territory of the United States, or the District of Columbia, and be an active member of a bar in good standing. Applicants should also have at least four years of post-JD litigation experience in federal courts and experience handling complex litigation.
Ideal candidates will have:

• At least four years of post-JD litigation experience in federal courts and experience handling complex litigation.
• Demonstrated experience leading litigation teams or otherwise supervising litigation
• Substantial trial experience
• Demonstrated ability to handle all phases of discovery
• Excellent analytical ability and the capacity to articulate issues in a wide variety of cases.
• Excellent editorial skills
• A demonstrated record of being able to balance a diverse and constantly changing workload and the ability to set priorities appropriately
• A strong background in the defense of federal torts

Applicants should have excellent writing, negotiation, and interpersonal skills, exhibit good judgment, and have an interest in litigation.
Education:
All academic degrees and coursework must be completed at a college or university that has obtained accreditation or pre-accreditation status from an accrediting body recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

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