Consolidated Legal Center (CLC) Attorney

This position offers an exciting opportunity to work on challenging cases and make a real impact. We offer a collaborative and supportive work environment and opportunities for professional development and career growth. We have facilities located throughout the nation and we offer a competitive salary and benefits. If you are passionate about the law and committed to public service and public safety, we would love to hear from you.

The Consolidated Legal Center (CLC) Yazoo City is under the direction of the Southeast Regional Office and consists of a legal team that oversees legal matters in the Southern District of Mississippi, Northern District of Alabama, and the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals. The office provides litigation support to the United States Attorneys’ Offices for inmate litigation arising from FCC Yazoo City (Federal Correctional Institution - Medium, Low Security Correctional Institution I, Low Security Correctional Institution II, Federal Prison Camp) and the Federal Correctional Institution, Aliceville, Alabama.

The legal practice at the Yazoo City CLC covers a wide variety of issues focusing on correctional law, which is a practice that relies heavily on constitutional law, tort law, and other administrative law. This practice is primarily civil in nature and involves providing extensive litigation support to the U.S. Attorney's Offices. This practice also involves providing legal guidance and support to Federal Bureau of Prison (FBOP) employees and through internal and administrative processes (e.g., administrative claims). The legal issues covered include, but are not limited to inmates' access to to courts, conditions of confinement (e.g., medical care, religious accommodations, etc.), post-sentencing processes (e.g., sentence computations and inmate discipline), and post-sentence administration (e.g., First Step Act eligibility determinations).

As a member of the Yazoo City CLC, the incumbent is expected to provide advice and guidance to all levels of staff at these correctional facilities, including members of the Executive Staff. The incumbent may also be required to handle other FBOP legal matters which pertain to Bureau of Prisons (BOP) institutions. The incumbent will also be expected to communicate with defense attorneys, prosecutors, federal courts, and agency officials. The incumbent must have thorough knowledge of all aspects of BOP policy and practice as he/she may be required to appear in District Court on short notice to explain and advocate the agency's rational for its correctional management decisions. The incumbent is expected to perform extensive legal research and writing independently with minimal oversight. The incumbent is also expected to learn and adapt to BOP protocols in order to achieve optimal levels of advocacy and persuasion.

This is a primary law enforcement position. In accordance with 5 U.S.C. § 3307, the maximum entry age of 36 has been established for initial appointment to a position in a Bureau of Prisons correctional institution. If you are above the maximum entry age and have prior federal law enforcement coverage, you must submit an SF-50 to verify prior coverage. Qualified Preference Eligible Veterans may be exempt from meeting the maximum age. The duties of this position may at times require frequent and direct contact with individuals in confinement who are suspected or convicted of serious criminal offenses. It has also been determined that the duties of this position require experience and knowledge of the on-the-job responsibilities of a primary law enforcement officer working in a correctional facility. A requirement of this position is the successful completion of 'Introduction to Correctional Techniques, Phase I' locally and, the satisfactory completion of a mandatory course in 'Introduction to Correctional Techniques, Phase II' at the Staff Training Academy.

Because of the nature and mission of this position, it requires "hands-on" understanding of the issues encompassed in working within an institution. The incumbent may be called on to perform as a law enforcement officer in a correctional environment during training, emergency situations, times of staff shortages, and under any other type of correctional operating crisis. Specific correctional responsibilities may include custody and supervision of inmates, responding to emergencies and institution disturbances, participating in fog and escape patrols, and assuming correctional officer posts when necessary. The incumbent may be required to shakedown inmates and conduct visual searches in their work or living area for contraband. The incumbent must be prepared to use physical control in situations where necessary, such as in fights among inmates, assaults on staff, and riots or escape attempts.

Required Qualifications: Applicants must have a J.D. degree, be an active member of the bar (any U.S. jurisdiction), and have at least one (1) year post-J.D. legal or other relevant experience.

Preferred qualification: Prior experience in correctional law is preferred, but not required.

Applicants must submit a cover letter (highlighting relevant experience), resume, writing sample, and list of references by March 19, 2025, to:

U.S. Department of Justice
Federal Bureau of Prisons
Southeast Regional Office
3800 Camp Creek Parkway, SW
Building 2000
Atlanta, Georgia 30331
Attention: J. Latease Bailey-Close, Regional Counsel

It is preferred that you submit your application materials to lbaileyclose@bop.gov.

No telephone calls please. This position is open until filled, but no later than March 19, 2025.

Current salary and years of experience will determine the appropriate salary level. The possible salary range, including locality pay adjustments is GS-12 ($88,621 to $115,213), GS-13 ($105,383 to $137,000) or GS-14 ($124,531 to $161,889).