Trial Attorney - Land Acquisition Section

JobSummary

The Environment and Natural Resources Division is seeking experienced civil litigators for the Land Acquisition Section for (2) or more positions. This Section is responsible for acquiring land and other real property interests on behalf of the United States through condemnation proceedings for purposes ranging from establishing national parks, expanding military installation and training facilities, rebuilding energy and transportation systems, and facilitating border security infrastructure.

LowGrade

14

HighGrade

15

PromotionPotential

15

SubAgencyName

Environment and Natural Resources Division - Land Acquisition Section

OrganizationCodes

DJ/DJ01

Relocation

False

HiringPath

• public

MCOTags

TotalOpenings

Few

AgencyMarketingStatement

The Environment and Natural Resources Division seeks to attract, retain, and promote individuals of exceptional ability and talent from all walks of life to reflect the people it serves by drawing its workforce from all segments of society and from across the United States. We offer varied, challenging, and important work. Our D.C. office is conveniently located adjacent to the NoMA-Gallaudet University (Red Line) Metro Station, a short walk from Union Station. ENRD's building was constructed in 2019; offices and shared spaces in the building are clean, well-equipped, and packed with amenities. A wide variety of restaurants, coffee shops, stores, entertainment venues, and other attractions are easily accessible to employees in the neighborhood. The NoMA neighborhood is one of the most up-and-coming neighborhoods in DC! For more information about us, visit the Justice Department's web site at: http://www.justice.gov/enrd/ENRD_las.html.

TravelCode

2

ApplyOnlineUrl

https://apply.usastaffing.gov/Application/Apply

DetailStatusUrl

https://apply.usastaffing.gov/Application/ApplicationStatus

MajorDuties

• The Land Acquisition Section (LAS) represents virtually every federal agency, in federal district court across the United States and its territories, tackling novel and complex civil litigation arising under the Fifth Amendment to the United States Constitution. LAS litigates condemnation cases to acquire real property for the United States for public uses including taking land into trust for tribes, expanding military installations, rebuilding federal courthouses, establishing national monuments, and constructing border and immigration security infrastructure and land ports of entry. The Section's work is designed to ensure the protection of the Fifth Amendment so that the amount of compensation for condemned property is fair to both property owners and taxpayers. LAS also is responsible for ensuring the sufficiency of title for all real property that federal agencies acquire by direct purchase. For both cases in litigation and title matters, the legal and factual issues are often complex and intellectually challenging and may include: the power of the United States to condemn; ascertainment of the market value of property; and the physical, legal or financial feasibility of purported potential uses of property. The Section also provides client-agencies with both training and consultation during the planning process for major federal land acquisition efforts to ensure the success of those projects. Section attorneys are actively involved in every facet of our cases from pre-filing consultation with client-agencies to discovery, motion practice, negotiations, and trial. On a day-to-day basis, our attorneys address case management issues, engage in case development, negotiate with opposing counsel, draft substantive motions and briefs, take depositions, present oral arguments, and conduct trials before juries, judges, and land commissions. Our attorneys work in a collaborative, team-oriented environment, and consult closely with our client-agencies as well as expert witnesses. LAS attorneys work in teams composed of our in-house consulting appraisers, attorneys, and paralegals to develop successful and fair litigation positions. Recent cases handled by LAS include the acquisition of land for the expansion of Arlington National Cemetery, rebuilding of water delivery and electric transmission line systems in Washington, taking land into trust for a tribe under the Navajo-Hopi Land Dispute Settlement Act of 1996 in New Mexico, constructing border security and customs infrastructure at our borders, and maintaining the air traffic safety network throughout the United States. The ideal candidates will bring a strong interest in federal litigation and trial work, and at least 4 years of post-JD experience. LAS seeks to hire and cultivate talented trial attorneys and provides its lawyers with frequent and meaningful court experience in a variety of jurisdictions. Because of the nature of our docket, the ideal candidate should be comfortable in "first-chair" and supporting roles in multiple complex cases, and have demonstrated and substantial experience in civil litigation, including pre-trial discovery, motion practice, oral argument, and examination of fact and expert witnesses. The cases handled by the Section require attorneys to achieve intellectual command of complicated facts, real estate and appraisal principles, and legal issues. Successful candidates will be hard-working, intellectually curious, enjoy having primary responsibilities in sophisticated litigation, and proficiency in working with a wide range of experts. Creative thinking and talent in problem-solving - whether in a litigation or settlement context - are critical. Collegiality is fundamental to our Section. The ideal candidate will be comfortable working collaboratively with other attorneys and providing support and mentorship to less experienced attorneys. In staffing our cases, we strive to create work opportunities for our attorneys that allow them to constantly learn and grow by providing them with new challenges. Attorneys are given the opportunity to handle their own cases and are provided substantive training on litigating condemnation cases. As part of our practice, in short order, attorneys author substantive motions and pleadings, argue issues in federal district courts, take depositions, and conduct negotiations. The opportunity to participate in a trial is typically available within the first two years of employment with LAS. Attorneys in the Section also broaden their skill sets and contribute to LAS's critical work through access to the Department of Justice's litigation resources and trainings. LAS is composed of exceptionally talented attorneys who enjoy a team-oriented, collaborative work environment. The appraisers and paralegals we have are valuable resources, offering reliable help with a can-do attitude. The Section cultivates an atmosphere of respect among colleagues who work together to advocate for the U.S.

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. For a list of schools that meet this criteria, see www.ed.gov. Education completed in foreign colleges or universities may be used to meet the above education requirements if you can show that the foreign education is comparable to that received in an accredited educational institution in the United States. It is your responsibility to timely provide such evidence by submitting proof of creditability of education as evaluated by a credentialing agency with your application materials. More information may be found at https://www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ous/international/usnei/us/edlite-visitus-forrecog.html. All documentation must be in English or include an English translation. https://www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ous/international/usnei/us/edlite-visitus-forrecog.html.

Requirements

Evaluations

Veterans: There is no formal rating system for applying veteran preference to attorney appointments in the excepted service; however, the Department of Justice considers veteran preference eligibility as a positive factor in attorney hiring. Applicants eligible for veteran preference must include that information in their resume and attach supporting documentation (e.g., the DD 214, Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty and other supporting documentation) to their submissions. Although the "point" system is not used, per se, applicants eligible to claim 10-point preference must submit Standard Form (SF) 15, Application for 10-Point Veteran Preference, and submit the supporting documentation required for the specific type of preference claimed (visit the OPM website, www.opm.gov/forms/pdf_fill/SF15.pdf for a copy of SF 15, which lists the types of 10-point preferences and the required supporting document(s). Applicants should note that SF 15 requires supporting documentation associated with service-connected disabilities or receipt of nonservice-connected disability pensions to be dated 1991 or later except in the case of service members submitting official statements or retirement orders from a branch of the Armed Forces showing that his or her retirement was due to a permanent service-connected disability or that he/she was transferred to the permanent disability retired list (the statement or retirement orders must indicate that the disability is 10% or more).

HowToApply

You must apply online through USAJOBS. Click on the APPLY Online button. Follow the prompts to answer a few questions and submit all required documents by 11:59 PM (EST) on the closing date to receive consideration. Applicants must submit a current resume, brief statement of interest, writing sample, law school transcript, and DD-214 (if applicable). To verify the status of your application, log into your USAJOBS account (https://my.usajobs.gov/Account/Login), all of your applications will appear on the Welcome screen. The Application Status will appear along with the date your application was last updated. For information on what each Application Status means, visit: https://www.usajobs.gov/Help/how-to/application/status/ If you are unable to apply online, you must request an alternative application which is available from the Office of Human Resources using the contact information listed below. Internet Sites: For more information about the Environment and Natural Resources Division, visit the web site at: http://www.usdoj.gov/enrd . This and selected other legal position announcements can be found on the Internet at: https://www.justice.gov/legal-careers

WhatToExpectNext

Once your complete application is received, we will conduct an evaluation of your qualifications. The most highly qualified candidates will be referred to the hiring manager for further consideration and possible interview. We expect to make a selection within 80 days of the closing date of this announcement. You will be notified of the outcome.

RequiredDocuments

To apply for this position, you must submit a complete Application Package which includes the following: Resumé (not to exceed two pages) demonstrating relevant experience and month/year the experience was obtained Cover letter with brief statement of interest Writing sample Copy of J.D. degree transcripts DD 214 Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty and other supporting documentation, if applicable Your resumé MUST include full employment information such as periods of employment with month/year started and ended, title of position(s), part time hours worked, and description of duties. If you have Federal employment, you must include the grade of the position(s).

Benefits

BenefitsUrl

https://www.opm.gov/healthcare-insurance/Guide-Me/New-Prospective-Employees/

OtherInformation

Veterans Preference: If you are entitled to or claim veteran preference (VP), you should indicate the type of veteran preference (5 or 10 points) you are claiming on your application. In order to determine your eligibility, you can find additional information at: http://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/veterans-services/vet-guide/. To verify your veteran preference entitlement, submit a copy of the Member Copy 4 of your DD-214. Suitability and Citizenship: 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. Employment is also contingent upon the completion and satisfactory adjudication of a background investigation. Only U.S. citizens are eligible for employment with the Executive Office for Immigration Review and the United States Attorneys' Offices. Unless otherwise indicated in a particular job advertisement, non-U.S. Citizens may apply for employment with other organizations, but should be advised that appointments of non-U.S. Citizens are extremely rare; such appointments would be possible only if necessary to accomplish the Department's mission and would be subject to strict security requirements. Applicants who hold dual citizenship in the U.S. and another country will be considered on a case-by-case basis. EEO Statement/Policy: The United States government does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, retaliation, parental status, military service or other non-merit factor. More information can be found here: https://www.justice.gov/jmd/media/1425556/dl?inline. DOJ Reasonable Accommodation Policy: Federal agencies must provide reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities where appropriate. Applicants requiring reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process should contact the hiring agency directly. Determinations on requests for reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis. The DOJ Reasonable Accommodation policy can be found here: https://www.justice.gov/jmd/reasonable-accommodation#policy Selective Service: If you were born male, on or after December 31, 1959, you must certify that you have registered with the Selective Service System or are exempt from having to do so under the Selective Service Law. Additional information is found at: www.sss.gov. Fair Chance to Compete for Jobs: Unless otherwise required by law, the Fair Chance to Compete for Jobs Act prohibits employees of the U.S. Department of Justice or a federal contractor acting on its behalf from inquiring about an applicant's criminal history record, either in writing or orally, before that individual receives a conditional offer of employment. Applicants who believe they have been subjected to a violation of the Fair Chance to Compete for Jobs Act, may submit a written complaint within 30 days of the date of the alleged non-compliance directly to the hiring office using the contact information listed in the announcement. Please Note: Additional candidates may be selected if more positions become available in the Division within 90 days after HR office issues the certificate of eligibles.

KeyRequirements

WithinArea

False

CommuteDistance

0

ServiceType

02

AnnouncementClosingType

01

AgencyContactEmail

carmen.browne@usdoj.gov

AgencyContactPhone

(202) 616-3127

SecurityClearance

Other

DrugTestRequired

True

PositionSensitivitiy

High Risk (HR)

AdjudicationType

• Credentialing
• Suitability/Fitness