What are the responsibilities and job description for the Assistant General Counsel (FOIA) position at U.S. Department of Justice?
Washington, DC 20534 - United States
The Legal Administrative Branch of the Office of General Counsel encompasses the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) and Privacy Act (PA) Section. This section is responsible for processing requests for documents pursuant to the FOIA/PA, as well as related litigation.
Attorneys working in the FOIA branch apply their expertise, skills, and education to serve as agency counsel in defending the Bureau of Prisons (BOP) in FOIA lawsuits brought by private parties and public interest groups seeking records of BOP operations and activities. Attorneys regularly handle litigation seeking sensitive records within the agency's possession and also serve as subject matter experts and provide legal and policy guidance to officials at all levels within the BOP with regard to its FOIA program and other issues of public access to the BOP information and records.
As the federal agency whose mission is to ensure the fair and impartial administration of justice for all Americans, the Department of Justice is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive work environment. To build and retain a workforce that reflects the diverse experiences and perspectives of the American people, we welcome applicants from the many communities, identities, races, ethnicities, backgrounds, abilities, religions, and cultures of the United States who share our commitment to public service.
The incumbent exercises discretion and independent judgment in the applications of laws and executive orders, regulations, precedents, and agency practices related to the FOIA/PA. The incumbent will be expected to provide expert legal advice and guidance on an array of information access issues to the highest levels of BOP management. The incumbent will work with Central Office, regional and institution management and line staff with respect to litigation affecting the BOP, as well as working with the United States Attorney's Offices. The incumbent should have knowledge of the FOIA/PA practice, procedure, and law, responding directly to complex and high profile FOIA/PA requests, and will participate as agency counsel in FOIA/PA related litigation. Incumbent will liaise with the Department of Justice's Office of Privacy and Civil Liberties on Privacy Act-related issues, which include component reporting requirements and legal requirements to create and/or maintain Systems of Records. Incumbent will review records in-depth for consultation and disclosure determinations, draft declarations and Vaughn indexes. Incumbent will assist FOIA/PA's Supervisory Attorney in approving documents for release pursuant to non-BOP audits by the Government Accounting Office, Office of Inspector General, and pursuant to the Federal Information Security Management Act.
Required qualifications: Applicants must possess a J.D. degree, be an active member of the bar (any jurisdiction), and have at least one (1) year of post-J.D. experience.
Preferred qualifications: Prior experience in FOIA/PA matters is preferred, but not required.
Applicants must submit a cover letter highlighting relevant experience and a resume by December 27, 2024. Please submit your completed application packet to Eugene Baime, Supervisory Attorney Advisor, FOIA, using the following email address: EBaime@bop.gov
Please include in the subject line "FOIA Attorney."
No telephone calls, please. This position is open until filled, but no later than December 27, 2024.
The possible salary range is: GS-12 ($99,200 to $128,956) GS-13 ($117,962 - 153,354) GS-14 ($139,395 to $181,216); or GS-15 ($163,964 to $191,900).
Salary : $99,200 - $128,956
