Position can be filled at the grade 12 or 13 level via this announcement; the applicant must meet the requirements according to the qualifications below. An incumbent hired at the LA-12 level is subject to more and ongoing supervision than an incumbent hired or promoted to the LA-13 level.
If you like to stay busy and immersed in cultural activities, then Washington, DC is the place to be! Museums, restaurants, great climate, green space, and job opportunities are among the many positives of living in the Nation’s Capital. Not to mention the residents of the District of Columbia are highly educated and the region has some of the best schools in the country. Each day the District of Columbia continues to be ranked in the top 10 of thriving city indicators where you can live, work and play.
INTRODUCTION
This position is located in the Office of the General Counsel, Department on Disability Services (DDS). The Department on Disability Services is a unique and complex agency providing community living services and support to District citizens with intellectual and developmental disabilities and providing vocational rehabilitation services to District residents with physical, psychological and developmental disabilities for employment, self-sufficiency and/or independence. This position provides litigation with full responsibility for preparation and trial of cases assigned.
MAJOR DUTIES
Incumbent reviews information presented and relevant case law to determine whether a proceeding or filing should be initiated. Reviews, for this purpose, include interviewing agency officials, other potential witnesses, available documents and sources of information. Incumbent is responsible for preparing complaints, responses, motions, legal briefs/memoranda as appropriate. Prepares and conducts litigation including preparation of witnesses and exhibits, collection and organization of evidence, preparation and conduct of preliminary proceedings, identification, procurement and preparation of expert services, examination of witnesses, and oral arguments. Negotiates resolution of cases and determines, with the approval of the supervisor, when continued proceedings are no longer in the best interest of the District of Columbia, and prepares documentation and necessary court papers to implement negotiations.
Performs all functions related to case and calendar management, such as pretrial, motion and trial scheduling, preparation of case transfer or close-out reports, case file entry updating, documentation of action taken or orders issued, timely preparation and service of filings, timely issuance of subpoenas, and any other administrative function associated with litigation.
Incumbent is responsible for keeping abreast of judicial, agency, and other changes in laws and regulations related to the function of programs and the recommendation of appropriate courses of action to the Office of the Attorney General (OAG).
Incumbent may have to confer with and incorporate the concerns of District Government officials, members of administrative bodies, and officials outside of the District Government regarding actions taken during enforcement cases. Compiles monthly statistical and status reports on cases assigned.
Performs other duties as assigned.
QUALIFICATIONS
All Candidates must possess a Juris Doctorate (J.D.) or LL.B degree from a law school accredited by the American Bar Association at the time of appointment ;
Must be either a member in good standing of the District of Columbia Bar or be admitted in another United States jurisdiction and have an application submitted and pending for admission to the District of Columbia Bar;
Prefers incumbent one (1) full year of post J.D. professional legal experience.
EDUCATION, LICENSURES, CERTIFICATIONS AND OTHER REQUIREMENTS
As indicated above, an applicant must have successfully completed a full course of study in a school of law accredited by the American Bar Association (ABA) and have the first professional law degree (LLB or JD).
WORK EXPERIENCE/KNOWLEDGE
Knowledge of laws, theories, principles, practices and techniques of legal proceedings sufficient to represent the District of Columbia in litigation and related activities.
Skills in the analysis and resolution of difficult legal issues in an orderly, systematic and effective manner.
Skills in interpreting and applying applicable laws, regulations and practices, including agency policies and relevant judicial decisions.
Skills in identifying and isolating controlling legal issues from complex factual situations.
Skills in applying sound judgment in the review and analysis of matters, and deriving logical conclusions.
Knowledge of legal reference materials and research techniques, including the use of Westlaw, LexisNexis, and other automated legal and legislative retrieval systems.
Skills in communicating precisely and effectively, both orally and in writing.
Knowledge of legal advocacy tactics and strategy as well as negotiation, pretrial and trial techniques.
Collective Bargaining Unit
This position is covered under the collective bargaining unit represented by American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE Local 1403).
Work Schedule
This position is an in-office position, subject to the AFGE Local 1403 Collective Bargaining Agreement and DCHR and DDS policies and issuances on Compressed, Flexible, and Telework Schedules.
Once applications are submitted, applicants will not be able to change their responses to the online questions.
The position for which the individual is applying has been identified and designated as requiring an enhanced suitability screening.
If tentatively selected for the position, a criminal background check, traffic record check, consumer credit check, and mandatory drug and alcohol test will be conducted (as appropriate); and
The appointee to the position may be offered employment contingent upon receipt of a satisfactory enhanced suitability screening.
You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.
Your application includes your resume, responses to the online questions, and required supporting documents (cover letter, writing sample, list of three references and last performance evaluation). Please be sure that your resume includes detailed information to support your qualifications for this position; failure to provide sufficient evidence in your resume will result in a "not qualified" determination.
EEO Statement
The District of Columbia Government does not discriminate or retaliate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, gender identity and expression, national origin, family responsibilities, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, homeless status, disability, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, participation in a legally protected activity, parental status, matriculation, personal appearance, credit information, status as a victim or family member of a victim of domestic violence, sexual offense, or stalking, military service, or other non-merit factor.
