Trial Attorney

⁠​‌‌​​​‌​​​‌‌‌​‌​​​‌‌‌​​​​‌​​‌​‌‌​​‌‌‌​​‌⁠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 by following the links below:

• Legal Careers | Trial Attorney, GS-0905-14/15 | United States Department of Justice
• https://www.justice.gov/legal-careers/job/trial-attorney-gs-0905-1415-0

Applicants must possess a J.D. degree, must have at least three years of post J.D. experience, and must be an active member of a bar (any jurisdiction). About the Office

The mission of the National Security Division (NSD) is to coordinate the Department's efforts in carrying out its top priority of preventing and combating terrorism and protecting the national security of the United States. NSD provides legal and policy advice on national security matters; litigates counterterrorism, counterespionage, and foreign intelligence surveillance matters; represents the Government before the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Court (FISC) and other federal trial and appellate courts; and conducts oversight of the activities of various Intelligence Community (IC) agencies.

Job Description

The Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA) Unit of the Counterintelligence and Export Control Section (CES) in the National Security Division (NSD) is responsible for the administration and enforcement of FARA. Originally enacted in 1938, FARA requires certain agents of foreign principals who are engaged in political activities or other activities specified under the statute to make periodic public disclosures related to their relationship with the foreign principal, as well as activities, receipts, and disbursements in support of those activities. Disclosure of the required information facilitates evaluation by the Government and the American people of the activities of such persons in light of their function as foreign agents.

The attorney for this position will focus on administering and enforcing FARA. The attorney's FARA responsibilities will include preparing for and leading civil litigation, conducting inspections, and drafting advisory opinions.

Applicants must possess a J.D. degree, must have at least three years of post J.D. experience, and must be an active member of a bar (any jurisdiction). Applicants must also have superior academic credentials, possess excellent analytical and writing skills, and have the dedication and capacity to work independently in a very demanding environment. Past experience in the national security or intelligence field is not required.

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

Candidates must personally volunteer for Department-wide initiatives, special projects, Division-initiatives, and perform other duties as assigned.

Must be able to meet JMD and NSD suitability criteria for this position.

Must be able to obtain and maintain a TOP SECRET/SCI security clearance. Failure to obtain or retain this level of security clearance and access will be grounds for reassignment, demotion, or removal from the Federal Service. Employee must successfully pass a urinalysis screening for illegal drug use prior to appointment and subsequent periodic drug screening thereafter.

This position is MISSION ESSENTIAL. Most, if not all, essential job functions must be performed in a Sensitive Compartmented Information Facility (SCIF). The incumbent is required to report for duty, in person, as necessary, in an emergency (regardless of holidays, weekends, nights, furloughs) or conditions such as weather in which non-essential personnel are not expected to report.

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