Summary OPR is responsible for reviewing allegations of misconduct involving Department attorneys, investigators, or law enforcement personnel, when the allegations relate to the exercise of the authority of an attorney to investigate, litigate, or provide legal advice. OPR also investigates other matters at the request of the Attorney General or Deputy Attorney General. Responsibilities About the Office The Office of Professional Responsibility (OPR) has jurisdiction to investigate allegations of professional misconduct involving Department of Justice attorneys and law enforcement agents that relate to the exercise of an attorney's authority to investigate, litigate, or provide legal advice. OPR attorneys conduct sensitive investigations involving all levels and components of the Department and relating to a wide range of challenging and topical ethical issues, including grand jury abuse, discovery violations, and lack of candor. OPR also has jurisdiction to investigate allegations of whistleblower retaliation made by current, former, and prospective employees of the FBI. Because professional misconduct and whistleblower retaliation allegations may involve highly publicized or sensitive cases, matters with complex legal or factual issues, and those with novel ethical questions, the office seeks experienced, detail-oriented attorneys with discretion, good judgment, and excellent analytical and writing skills. OPR attorneys and administrative staff are public-service oriented and dedicated to OPR's mission to ensure that Department attorneys perform their duties with integrity in accordance with the high professional standards expected of the nation's principal law enforcement agency. OPR's small size fosters collegiality and collaboration. OPR's offices are in the historic RFK Main Justice Building in Washington, D.C., with convenient access to parking, public transportation, and downtown attractions. This is an in-office position. For more information about OPR, please visit our website at https://www.justice.gov/opr Job Description: OPR attorneys enjoy a challenging mix of responsibilities that require investigative, analytical, and oral and written communication skills. OPR attorneys are expected to work independently and to effectively manage multiple concurrent assignments. Duties include the following: Developing investigative plans. Locating and reviewing relevant records and other physical evidence. Conducting in-depth interviews of witnesses and subjects. Researching complex and novel ethical issues. Identifying the relevant standards of conduct and applying the facts to reach well-supported conclusions. Drafting memoranda and reports that concisely summarize the facts developed during the investigation, discuss the legal analysis, and explain the investigative findings. Making recommendations for appropriate action to OPR and Department leadership. Requirements Conditions of Employment Qualifications Required Qualifications: Applicants must possess a J.D. degree and be an active member of the bar in good standing in any State, territory of the United States, or the District of Columbia. Applicants must have the years of post J.D. (or equivalent) legal experience for the specific grade level requirements listed below: At least 2.5 years of post J.D. litigation and/or judicial experience to qualify for the GS-14 grade level. At least 4 years of post J.D. litigation and/or judicial experience to qualify for the GS-15 grade level. Meeting the minimum post-law degree legal experience requirements does not guarantee selection at that grade level. The individual selected for this position must be able to obtain and maintain a Top Secret/SCI security clearance as a condition of employment. OPR seeks experienced attorneys with an interest in professional responsibility, who possess the legal skills and sound judgment necessary to evaluate the sensitive issues that arise during attorney misconduct investigations. Candidates should have experience in and be accomplished at investigating factual disputes, resolving challenging legal questions, and crafting polished written work products. The ability to articulate critical issues accurately and precisely in written and oral communication is essential. A successful applicant will have significant expertise in conducting depositions or case-related interviews; handling trials at the federal, state, or local level; appellate advocacy; or similar litigation or investigative experience. Preferred Qualifications: Knowledge of and familiarity with the rules and obligations imposed on prosecutors and other government attorneys by the Constitution, federal statutes, court decisions, orders, rules, regulations, Department policies, and applicable state bar rules. Possess the legal skills and sound judgment necessary to identify ethical issues and to evaluate the sensitive issues and complex legal problems that arise in the course of conducting attorney misconduct investigations. Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to develop positive working relationships in a wide variety of situations. A demonstrated ability to work independently in a demanding environment. Demonstrated initiative, outstanding organizational skills, and the ability to manage multiple diverse, evolving, and challenging projects and priorities. At least five years post-J.D. experience. Education See Qualification section above for education requirement. Education must be reviewed and certified by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education, in order for it to be creditable towards your qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from accredited institution. FOREIGN EDUCATION: Education completed in foreign colleges or universities may be used to meet the requirements. You must show proof the education credentials have been deemed to be at least equivalent to that gained in a conventional U.S. education program. It is your responsibility to provide such evidence when applying. For special instructions pertaining to foreign education and a list of organizations that can evaluate foreign education, see the Department of Education website. If you are qualifying on foreign education, you MUST submit proof of creditability of education as evaluated by a credentialing agency. Transcripts must be uploaded with your application to verify education. All documentation must be in English or include an English translation. Additional Information Additional selections may be made from this announcement. Salary: Current salary and years of experience will determine the appropriate salary level (GS-14, $143,913 - $187,093) or (GS-15, $169,279 - $197,200). Travel: Occasional travel may be required. Relocation Expenses: Not authorized. Number of Positions: One Candidates will not be hired based on their race, sex, color, religion, or national origin. EEO Statement/Policy: The United States government does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, retaliation, parental status, military service or other non-merit factor. More information can be found here: https://www.justice.gov/jmd/media/1425556/dl?inline. DOJ Reasonable Accommodation Policy: Federal agencies must provide reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities where appropriate. Applicants requiring reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process should contact the hiring agency directly. Determinations on requests for reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis. The DOJ Reasonable Accommodation policy can be found here: https://www.justice.gov/jmd/reasonable-accommodation#policy Selective Service: If you were born male, on or after December 31, 1959, you must certify that you have registered with the Selective Service System or are exempt from having to do so under the Selective Service Law. Additional information is found at: www.sss.gov. Fair Chance to Compete for Jobs: The Fair Chance Act prohibits Federal agencies from requesting an applicant's criminal history information before the agency makes a conditional offer of employment. If you believe a DOJ employee or Federal contractor acting on its behalf has violated your rights under this Act, you may submit a written complaint within 30 days of the date of the alleged non-compliance directly to the hiring office using the contact information listed in the announcement. Note: In accordance with 5 U.S. Code § 9202(c) and 5 C.F.R § 920.201(b) certain positions are exempt from the provisions of the Fair Chance Act.
