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 Federal Claims. The Section is responsible for litigation filed in the Court of Federal Claims, the Court of International Trade, and the Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit.

The Deputy Director of the National Courts Section: As delegated by the Director, directs and primarily supervises the work of attorneys and other personnel who are assigned to trial court-level work in the Court of Federal Claims, and in the Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit in all appeals taken from the Court of Federal Claims, as well as his or her other organizational and functional areas, either directly or by providing guidance to Assistant Directors or Senior Trial Counsel. Assists in the assignment and distribution of this work among the attorneys, reviews and approves of pleadings, briefs, and other papers filed with this court 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. Evaluates organizational structure and makes necessary changes based on new caseload requirements or policy directives. Oversees the Assistant Directors, who directly manage the complex assignment, handling, and defense of the voluminous expedited court challenges made to agencies' decisions in multi-million and multi-billion-dollar procurement contracts. Manages the Section's staffing of these matters and, where necessary, incorporates detailees from within the Commercial Litigation Branch and other Department components. Ensures proper training and support for Section attorneys and detailees, and consistency in the Government's positions taken in bid protest and other fast-paced litigation. Oversees coordination with the court, client agencies, and bid protester's counsel to ensure the most optimal and efficient resolution of these disputes is obtained that it is in the government's best interests. Personally leads cases and argues difficult and precedent-setting cases of unusual complexity. 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 breach of contract claims, procurement challenges, civilian or military pay claims, or monetary constitutional claims against the United States. 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.