Trial Attorney (Electronic Surveillance Unit)

⁠​‌‌​​​‌​​​‌‌‌​‌​​​‌‌‌​​​​‌​​‌​‌‌​​‌‌‌​​‌⁠The Criminal Division, United States Department of Justice, is seeking qualified, experienced attorneys for a permanent position in the Office of Enforcement Operations, Electronic Surveillance Unit (ESU). The incumbent serves as Trial Attorney and is responsible for providing professional assistance to the Unit Chief and Deputy Unit Chiefs by carrying out legal, operational, and policy-related assignments relating to the use and approval of wiretaps and other types of electronic surveillance. A J.D., or equivalent, degree.

Applicants who possess an equivalent degree rather than a J.D. may be subject to additional review by the Office of Attorney Recruitment and Management. As a Trial Attorney within the Electronic Surveillance Unit (ESU), the incumbent:

• Reviews wiretap applications submitted by AUSAs to determine whether they are sufficient for the internal Department of Justice approval that is required by the Title III statute that governs wiretaps. Based on the review, a recommendation in writing will be made to the Office of the Assistant Attorney General explaining why the request should or should not be approved.
• Ensures reviews are conducted in a thorough and efficient manner, considering all factors as presented or revealed as a result of the review.
• Assists the Chief and Deputy Chiefs in carrying out assigned responsibilities in support of the programs of the ESU.
• Undertakes and completes assignments in accordance with the mission needs of the Unit and the Office, and advises managers at various levels on legal and policy issues relating to the sophisticated techniques and sensitive operational matters utilized in carrying out the investigations.
• Observes and adheres to all communications, information, and physical security requirements; completes required training; keeps abreast of legal issues, especially changes in law, regulation and policy; and maintains knowledge of the capabilities and limitations of the technology.
• Conducts trainings for prosecutors and agents.

Required Qualifications: Interested applicants must possess a J.D., or equivalent, 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 the bar in good standing.

Grade Specific Qualifications:

• To qualify at the GS-13 grade level, applicants must have at least one and a half (1.5) years post J.D. legal experience, one of which was specialized experience at, or equivalent to, the GS-12 grade level. Examples of specialized experience include: performing legal analysis and formulating recommendations to senior managers; composing pleadings, briefs, and other court documents involving legal issues in civil or criminal litigation; and conducting civil or criminal litigation.
• To qualify at the GS-14 grade level, applicants must have at least two and a half (2.5) years post J.D. legal experience, one of which was specialized experience at, or equivalent to, the GS-13 grade level. Examples of specialized experience include: performing legal analysis and formulating recommendations to senior managers; composing pleadings, briefs, and other court documents involving legal issues in civil or criminal litigation; and conducting civil or criminal litigation.
• To qualify at the GS-15 grade level, applicants must have at least four (4) years post J.D. legal experience, one of which was specialized experience at, or equivalent to, the GS-14 grade level. Examples of specialized experience include: independently performing legal analysis; composing pleadings, briefs and other court documents involving unique and/or difficult legal issues in civil or criminal litigation; conducting highly complex civil or criminal litigation; and leading paralegals and support staff.