The Narcotic and Dangerous Drug Section (NDDS) supervises and has responsibility for enforcing federal statutes pertaining to narcotic drugs and other controlled substances. The section has direct litigation responsibilities in significant drug and narco-terrorism investigations and prosecutions targeting national and international narcotics trafficking and money laundering organizations. This position is located in the Litigation Unit and requires a three year commitment to NDDS.

The U.S. Department of Justice, Criminal Division is hiring a Litigation Unit Trial Attorney in the Narcotic and Dangerous Drug Section. Litigation Unit attorneys work with federal law enforcement agencies to identify, investigate and prosecute the most significant national and international drug trafficking and money laundering organizations in the world. Litigation Unit attorneys prosecute major transnational narcotic traffickers and money launderers in the U.S. courts, using evidence gathered by U.S. federal agents and foreign law enforcement officials both domestically and abroad. NDDS is recruiting an experienced, motivated individual who is seeking to join a dedicated group committed to serving our country in this important mission.

NDDS seeks individuals capable of working closely with both U.S. and other international law enforcement authorities to investigate and charge these traffickers, and who possesses the experience and confidence to try them in the U.S. Federal Courts. The incumbent independently directs complex investigations, drafts requests for foreign obtained evidence, provisional arrests and extraditions, and prepares and conducts trials, including all pre and post-trial litigation.

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 Criminal Division, U.S. Department of Justice is seeking qualified, experienced trial attorneys in the Narcotic and Dangerous Drug Section (NDDS), Litigation Unit, located in Washington, D.C.

As a Trial Attorney, the incumbent:

• Manages complex narcotics investigations and money laundering prosecutions brought in the federal courts in the District of Columbia and throughout the United States.
• Utilizes a myriad of sophisticated techniques to pursue often cutting edge investigations against multifaceted transnational criminal organizations.
• Obtains and incorporates evidence acquired overseas by U.S. and foreign law enforcement.
• Makes charging decisions and proposes dispositions with regard to assigned cases.
• Researches and drafts all legal pleadings and is prepared to try cases in federal court.
• Investigates and pursues asset forfeiture related to illicit narcotics, narco-terrorism, and money laundering.
• Advises federal agents and Assistant U.S. Attorneys on complicated questions of law and Departmental policy.
• Oversees and helps to coordinate the preparation and litigation assignments of paralegals and clerical personnel.
• Participates in outreach and training conducted by NDDS trial attorneys throughout the United States and abroad.

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-14 grade level, applicants must have at least three (3) 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.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience in supporting, litigating, and supervising criminal cases in federal or state courts;
• Experience with complex investigations and the use of legal process (such as subpoenas and wiretap orders), especially in gathering electronic evidence;
• Jury trial experience is highly desirable;
• Ability to communicate clearly through well-organized and accurately written documents;
• Ability to perform cogent and correct legal analysis on a variety of contentious and complex substantive issues;
• Ability to provide legal advice to others;
• Spanish language proficiency is desirable;
• Experience with CIPA litigation; and
• Experience with international investigations or prosecutions.

The Application Package must be received by 11:59 PM, Eastern Time, on the closing date of this announcement.

Please submit your application through USAJOBS. The list of required documents can be found in the USAJobs announcement.

Applicants should familiarize themselves and comply with the relevant rules of professional conduct regarding any possible conflicts of interest in connection with their applications. In particular, please notify this Office if you currently represent clients or adjudicate matters in which this Office is involved and/or you have a family member who is representing clients or adjudicating matters in which this Office is involved so that we can evaluate any potential conflict of interest or disqualification issue that may need to be addressed under those circumstances.