Trial Attorney
Apply NowCompany: DC Government Careers
Location: Washington, DC 20011
Description:
Job Summary
Located in the nation's capital, The Office of the Attorney General (OAG) is the chief legal office of the District of Columbia. The OAG enforces the laws of the District, defends, and provides legal advice to the District's government agencies and protects the interests of the District's residents. This position is located in the Family Services Division within the Child Protection Sections I-IV.
The Family Services Division works on behalf of the District's most vulnerable, abused and neglected children. The Division has five Child Protection Sections. The attorneys in sections I-IV handle all child abuse and neglect litigation on behalf of the District's Child and Family Services Agency, from the initiation of a case through finding a child a permanent placement. Section V attorneys work with CFSA on matters not yet court involved. Division attorneys also advise Child and Family Services social workers and staff members on compliance with local and federal law.
Duties and Responsibilities
Trial Attorney, LA-0905-13, LA-0905-14
Attorneys in the Child Protection Sections represent the District of Columbia on behalf of CFSA in an attorney-client relationship in child abuse and neglect cases in the Family Court of the D.C. Superior Court. There are five Child Protection Sections and attorneys in Sections I-IV handle all aspects of child neglect litigation on behalf of the District and CFSA, from petitioning through the achievement of permanency. CPS V is designed to primarily work with CFSA on matters not yet court involved. Our vacancy is in CPS I-IV. All attorneys are responsible for petitioning new cases alleging child abuse or neglect, propounding and/or responding to discovery, filing and/or responding to pre-trial motions, participating in mediation, preparing witnesses to testify at trial, and presenting evidence at trial.
The attorneys in Sections I-IV also represent CFSA post-adjudication with the goal of ultimately securing a safe and permanent home for children through reunification, adoption, or guardianship. In the post-adjudication phase of a neglect case, attorneys are responsible for representing CFSA at review of disposition, status, and permanency hearings, participating in evidentiary hearings, filing motions and responsive pleadings. In addition, the attorneys provide advice and counsel to social workers and other professionals from CFSA regarding compliance with local and federal law, participate in team meetings as necessary, and work with various multi-disciplinary team members. Attorneys simultaneously maintain a trial caseload and post-adjudication caseload.
Submission of Documents:
Applications must include:
FAILURE TO SUBMIT ALL ATTACHMENTS WILL ELIMINATE YOU FROM CONSIDERATION.
Qualifications and Education
Trial Attorney, LA-0905-13 : Candidates must have at least three years of relevant litigation experience and excellent oral and written communication skills. Experience with child welfare or a similar area of litigation is strongly preferred. Candidates must possess excellent legal research and writing skills and strong interpersonal skills. Candidates must have experience handling a large volume of cases and possess the ability to work under pressure without sacrificing the quality of work. The successful candidate should be a self-starter with the ability to work with a high degree of independence.
Trial Attorney, LA-0905-14: Candidates must have at least four years of relevant litigation experience and excellent oral and written communication skills. Experience with child welfare or a similar area of litigation is strongly preferred. Candidates must possess excellent legal research and writing skills and strong interpersonal skills. Candidates must have experience handling a large volume of cases and possess the ability to work under pressure without sacrificing the quality of work. The successful candidate should be a self-starter with the ability to work with a high degree of independence.
License and Certifications
The incumbent must be an active member in good standing of the District of Columbia Bar or have the ability to waive in and be admitted within 360 days of appointment. An appointee to the Legal Service shall remain a member in good standing of the District of Columbia Bar and admitted to practice in the U.S. District Court of the District of Columbia during his/her employment in the Legal Service. If not currently a member of the District of the Columbia Bar, prior to their appointment, the successful candidate must send proof that his/her completed District of Columbia bar application has been submitted to the District of Columbia Bar.
Working Conditions/Environment
Work is primarily performed in an office setting.
Other Significant Factors
Pay Plan, Series and Grade: LA-0905-13
Salary: $109,019 $127,194
Pay Plan, Series and Grade: LA-0905-14
Salary: $128,824 - $133,121
Type of Appointment: Legal Service Regular Appointment
Collective Bargaining Unit: This position is in the collective bargaining unit represented by AFGE Local 1403.
Remote Work Status: A hybrid remote telework/in-office schedule option is available.
GENERAL SUITABILITY SCREENING: The selected candidate will be subject to a background investigation including reference checks.
PRIORITY CONSIDERATION: Displaced Employee Priority Placement: Candidates who are eligible for the District of Columbia's Displaced Employee Program (DEP) and Agency Reemployment Priority Placement Program (ARPP) will be given priority consideration for this position if found qualified.
EMPLOYMENT BENEFITS: Selectee will be eligible for health and life insurance, annual (vacation), and sick leave and will be covered under the District of Columbia government's retirement plan. However, if the selectee was previously employed in the District of Columbia's government under an appointment for which he/she was eligible for Civil Service Retirement (CSR), contributions to CSR will resume upon re-employment.
RESIDENCY PREFERENCE: A person applying for a position in the Career Service, Education Service, Management Supervisory Service, an attorney position in the Legal Service (series 905) other than in the Senior Executive Attorney Service (SEAS), or an attorney in the Excepted Service (series 905) who is a bona fide District resident AT THE TIME OF APPLICATION for the position, may be awarded a 10-point residency preference over non-District residents' applications, unless the person declines the preference points. If selected, the person shall be required to present proofs of bona fide District residency and maintain such residency for 7 consecutive years from the effective date of the appointment. Failure to maintain bona fide District residency for the 7-year period will result in forfeiture of employment.
VETERANS' PREFERENCE: Applicants claiming veterans' preference must submit official proof at the time of application.
DRUG-FREE WORKPLACE: Pursuant to the requirements of the Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1998, the individual selected to fill this position will, as a condition of employment, be required to notify his/her immediate supervisor, in writing, not later than five (5) days after the conviction of or a plea of guilty to a violation of any criminal drug statute occurring in the workplace.
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER: All qualified candidates will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, marital status, personal appearance, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, family responsibilities, political affiliation, physical disability, matriculation, genetic information, credit information, or status as a victim or family member of a victim of domestic violence, a sexual offense, or stalking.
NOTICE OF NON-DISCRIMINATION: In accordance with the D.C. Human Rights Act of 1977, as amended, D.C. Official Code, Section 2-1401.01 et. seq., (Act) the District of Columbia does not discriminate on the basis of actual or perceived race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, marital status, personal appearance, sexual orientation, familial status, family responsibilities, matriculation, political affiliation, disability, genetic information, source of income, or place of residence or business. Sexual harassment is a form of sex discrimination that is also prohibited by the Act. In addition, harassment based on any of the above-protected categories is prohibited by the Act. Discrimination in violation of the Act will not be tolerated. Violators will be subject to disciplinary action.
OFFICIAL JOB OFFERS ARE TO BE MADE ONLY BY THE HUMAN RESOURCES SECTION OF THE OFFICE OF THE ATTORNEY GENERAL
Located in the nation's capital, The Office of the Attorney General (OAG) is the chief legal office of the District of Columbia. The OAG enforces the laws of the District, defends, and provides legal advice to the District's government agencies and protects the interests of the District's residents. This position is located in the Family Services Division within the Child Protection Sections I-IV.
The Family Services Division works on behalf of the District's most vulnerable, abused and neglected children. The Division has five Child Protection Sections. The attorneys in sections I-IV handle all child abuse and neglect litigation on behalf of the District's Child and Family Services Agency, from the initiation of a case through finding a child a permanent placement. Section V attorneys work with CFSA on matters not yet court involved. Division attorneys also advise Child and Family Services social workers and staff members on compliance with local and federal law.
Duties and Responsibilities
Trial Attorney, LA-0905-13, LA-0905-14
Attorneys in the Child Protection Sections represent the District of Columbia on behalf of CFSA in an attorney-client relationship in child abuse and neglect cases in the Family Court of the D.C. Superior Court. There are five Child Protection Sections and attorneys in Sections I-IV handle all aspects of child neglect litigation on behalf of the District and CFSA, from petitioning through the achievement of permanency. CPS V is designed to primarily work with CFSA on matters not yet court involved. Our vacancy is in CPS I-IV. All attorneys are responsible for petitioning new cases alleging child abuse or neglect, propounding and/or responding to discovery, filing and/or responding to pre-trial motions, participating in mediation, preparing witnesses to testify at trial, and presenting evidence at trial.
The attorneys in Sections I-IV also represent CFSA post-adjudication with the goal of ultimately securing a safe and permanent home for children through reunification, adoption, or guardianship. In the post-adjudication phase of a neglect case, attorneys are responsible for representing CFSA at review of disposition, status, and permanency hearings, participating in evidentiary hearings, filing motions and responsive pleadings. In addition, the attorneys provide advice and counsel to social workers and other professionals from CFSA regarding compliance with local and federal law, participate in team meetings as necessary, and work with various multi-disciplinary team members. Attorneys simultaneously maintain a trial caseload and post-adjudication caseload.
Submission of Documents:
Applications must include:
- Resume
- Cover letter
- Proof of active bar membership (or proof of eligibility to waive into D.C.)
- Writing sample (between 5 and 10 pages)
FAILURE TO SUBMIT ALL ATTACHMENTS WILL ELIMINATE YOU FROM CONSIDERATION.
Qualifications and Education
Trial Attorney, LA-0905-13 : Candidates must have at least three years of relevant litigation experience and excellent oral and written communication skills. Experience with child welfare or a similar area of litigation is strongly preferred. Candidates must possess excellent legal research and writing skills and strong interpersonal skills. Candidates must have experience handling a large volume of cases and possess the ability to work under pressure without sacrificing the quality of work. The successful candidate should be a self-starter with the ability to work with a high degree of independence.
Trial Attorney, LA-0905-14: Candidates must have at least four years of relevant litigation experience and excellent oral and written communication skills. Experience with child welfare or a similar area of litigation is strongly preferred. Candidates must possess excellent legal research and writing skills and strong interpersonal skills. Candidates must have experience handling a large volume of cases and possess the ability to work under pressure without sacrificing the quality of work. The successful candidate should be a self-starter with the ability to work with a high degree of independence.
License and Certifications
The incumbent must be an active member in good standing of the District of Columbia Bar or have the ability to waive in and be admitted within 360 days of appointment. An appointee to the Legal Service shall remain a member in good standing of the District of Columbia Bar and admitted to practice in the U.S. District Court of the District of Columbia during his/her employment in the Legal Service. If not currently a member of the District of the Columbia Bar, prior to their appointment, the successful candidate must send proof that his/her completed District of Columbia bar application has been submitted to the District of Columbia Bar.
Working Conditions/Environment
Work is primarily performed in an office setting.
Other Significant Factors
Pay Plan, Series and Grade: LA-0905-13
Salary: $109,019 $127,194
Pay Plan, Series and Grade: LA-0905-14
Salary: $128,824 - $133,121
Type of Appointment: Legal Service Regular Appointment
Collective Bargaining Unit: This position is in the collective bargaining unit represented by AFGE Local 1403.
Remote Work Status: A hybrid remote telework/in-office schedule option is available.
GENERAL SUITABILITY SCREENING: The selected candidate will be subject to a background investigation including reference checks.
PRIORITY CONSIDERATION: Displaced Employee Priority Placement: Candidates who are eligible for the District of Columbia's Displaced Employee Program (DEP) and Agency Reemployment Priority Placement Program (ARPP) will be given priority consideration for this position if found qualified.
EMPLOYMENT BENEFITS: Selectee will be eligible for health and life insurance, annual (vacation), and sick leave and will be covered under the District of Columbia government's retirement plan. However, if the selectee was previously employed in the District of Columbia's government under an appointment for which he/she was eligible for Civil Service Retirement (CSR), contributions to CSR will resume upon re-employment.
RESIDENCY PREFERENCE: A person applying for a position in the Career Service, Education Service, Management Supervisory Service, an attorney position in the Legal Service (series 905) other than in the Senior Executive Attorney Service (SEAS), or an attorney in the Excepted Service (series 905) who is a bona fide District resident AT THE TIME OF APPLICATION for the position, may be awarded a 10-point residency preference over non-District residents' applications, unless the person declines the preference points. If selected, the person shall be required to present proofs of bona fide District residency and maintain such residency for 7 consecutive years from the effective date of the appointment. Failure to maintain bona fide District residency for the 7-year period will result in forfeiture of employment.
VETERANS' PREFERENCE: Applicants claiming veterans' preference must submit official proof at the time of application.
DRUG-FREE WORKPLACE: Pursuant to the requirements of the Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1998, the individual selected to fill this position will, as a condition of employment, be required to notify his/her immediate supervisor, in writing, not later than five (5) days after the conviction of or a plea of guilty to a violation of any criminal drug statute occurring in the workplace.
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER: All qualified candidates will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, marital status, personal appearance, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, family responsibilities, political affiliation, physical disability, matriculation, genetic information, credit information, or status as a victim or family member of a victim of domestic violence, a sexual offense, or stalking.
NOTICE OF NON-DISCRIMINATION: In accordance with the D.C. Human Rights Act of 1977, as amended, D.C. Official Code, Section 2-1401.01 et. seq., (Act) the District of Columbia does not discriminate on the basis of actual or perceived race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, marital status, personal appearance, sexual orientation, familial status, family responsibilities, matriculation, political affiliation, disability, genetic information, source of income, or place of residence or business. Sexual harassment is a form of sex discrimination that is also prohibited by the Act. In addition, harassment based on any of the above-protected categories is prohibited by the Act. Discrimination in violation of the Act will not be tolerated. Violators will be subject to disciplinary action.
OFFICIAL JOB OFFERS ARE TO BE MADE ONLY BY THE HUMAN RESOURCES SECTION OF THE OFFICE OF THE ATTORNEY GENERAL