Deputy Director

The Civil Division (Division) of the U.S. Department of Justice (Department) is seeking an individual to serve as Deputy Director in its National Courts Section. Organizationally, the position is known as the Deputy Director, Court of International Trade. The International Trade Deputy oversees all litigation in the Court of International Trade, which is highly specialized and diverse.

The National Courts, Deputy Director (Court of International Trade): As delegated by the Director, the Deputy Director directs and supervises the work of attorneys and other personnel assigned to the thousands of international trade cases at the Court of International Trade and at the Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit, either directly or by providing guidance to Assistant Directors, Senior Trial Counsel, or Trial Attorneys. Assists in the assignment and distribution of work among the attorneys, reviews and approves of pleadings, briefs, and other papers filed with the courts and other fora and acts as the legal advisor and counsel to attorneys about approaches and strategies to be followed in preparing for or presenting a case or an appeal. Provides guidance and direction on all aspects of work performance and provides input to the Director for the preparation of performance appraisals and other personnel actions. Advises and consults with the staff on new program orientations or directives. Oversees the trade and customs Assistant Directors, who directly manage the complex assignment, handling, and defense of the voluminous and highly specialized international trade docket at the Court of International Trade. Manages the National Courts Section's staffing of these matters and, where necessary, incorporates detailees from within the Commercial Litigation Branch and other Department components. Oversees coordination with the court, client agencies, and opposing counsel to ensure the most optimal and efficient resolution of these disputes and that it is in the government's best interests. Personally leads cases and argues difficult and precedent-setting cases of unusual complexity. Represents the Department of Justice on interagency task forces, study groups, or litigation teams dealing with international trade issues. Analyzes and reviews proposed and pending legislation to determine whether it may affect the work of the Section, particularly with respect to whether the proposed legislation could create significant claims in the Court of International Trade. Serves as an expert in a specialized area of law and is sought as a consultant not only within the Branch and throughout the Department, but also by other federal agencies. Assists the Director in responding to budgetary, operational, and other requests from the Assistant Attorney General.

You must be a United States Citizen or National. Veterans' preference is not applicable to the Senior Executive Service. Selective Service registration is required for males born on, or after, December 31st, 1959. Those not registered should have an approved exemption on file. You will be required to complete a pre-employment security investigation and background check for the security level designated for this position. You will be required to undergo a drug screening and obtain favorable results prior to being appointed. You may be subject to a one-year probationary period effective from the date in which you are appointed. This position requires you to submit a Public Financial Disclosure Report (OGE 278) upon entry, and annually thereafter in accordance with DOJ and Federal ethics guidelines. You must meet all minimum qualifications to be deemed eligible. Only experience obtained by closing date of this announcement will be considered. As a basic requirement for entry into the SES, applicants must provide evidence of progressively responsible leadership experience that is indicative of senior executive level management capability and directly related to the skills and abilities outlined under the Mandatory Technical Qualifications and Executive Core Qualifications.

Applicants must possess a J.D. degree from a law school accredited by the American Bar Association, have at least 5 years of relevant post-J.D. experience, and be an active member of the bar in good standing a state, U.S. territory, the District of Columbia, or the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico. IMPORTANT: Applicants are responsible for citing J.D. and bar membership information (institution name, state(s) for bar, and dates) on their respective resumes.