Attorney-Adviser (FOIA)

The Office of the Pardon Attorney (PARDON) fulfills the duties of the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) in support of the President’s clemency power under Article II, § 2 of the Constitution. For over 130 years, the President has relied on the advice and assistance of the Attorney General in exercising the clemency power. PARDON is the office designated to carry out this function under the direction of the Deputy Attorney General. PARDON receives petitions for executive clemency, initiates the necessary investigations, and prepares the recommendations for DOJ leadership and the President in the consideration of all forms of executive clemency, including commutation of sentence, pardon, reprieve, remission of fine, and commutation of the penalty of death. For more information about the office, please visit our Web page at https://www.justice.gov/pardon.

PARDON is seeking an experienced attorney for the position of Attorney Adviser (FOIA) to provide PARDON with essential management and support services related to the administration of the Office’s Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) and Privacy Act (PA) Programs. The Attorney Adviser (FOIA) will implement FOIA and PA related policies and procedures, provide information-related assistance and services to the general public, and develop a keen understanding of the applicable portions of both the FOIA and the PA to PARDON’s work product. The Attorney Adviser (FOIA) will be entrusted with FOIA compliance, while ensuring the protection of deliberative, personal, and other protected information and will make determinations accordingly. As such, the Attorney Adviser (FOIA) will become familiar with all aspects of executive clemency and may also be tasked with reviewing and evaluating the merits of clemency petitions, conferring with officials of the DOJ and external agencies regarding clemency applications, collecting information and records related to the clemency investigation, producing high-quality detailed written recommendations, and advising the Pardon Attorney, the Deputy Attorney General, and the White House on the appropriate disposition of each petition. Attorney Advisers (FOIA) will interact with both FOIA and PA requesters and pardon petitioners and their legal representatives and must demonstrate a high level of commitment to professionalism, courtesy, and public service.

Applicants must possess a J.D. degree, be an active member of the bar (any U.S. jurisdiction), have a minimum of five years of post-J.D. experience, and be a U.S. citizen.

The work of the Attorney Adviser (FOIA) requires significant attention to detail and the ability to thoroughly examine and evaluate large case files, identify relevant issues and applicable law, and recommend decisions. In addition, excellent legal research and writing skills, and exemplary judgment and discretion are required. A successful candidate will have the ability to manage a significant caseload and work both independently and collaboratively. The Office places a premium on the commitment and ability to prioritize assignments and efficiently produce high-quality work, including substantial, appropriately focused, and well-written work products.

Applicants should also demonstrate compassion and the ability to undertake fair and balanced public request determinations and evaluations of applications submitted by Federal clemency petitioners. This position is located in Washington, DC. This is not a remote position.

Preferred Qualifications:

Applicants must have at least 1 year of FOIA experience. Direct experience with complex electronic case management systems; voluminous redactions and familiarity with applicable exemptions under the FOIA; and certificates of identity and disclosure related to the Privacy Act, is a plus. Practice experience in federal criminal law, including a thorough understanding of federal sentencing law and the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, and excellent legal research and writing skills are also preferred qualifications. Applicants must also demonstrate exceptional communication skills, and the ability to meet deadlines under pressure.

Applicants must submit a resume (no more than two pages), writing sample, and cover letter. The cover letter should highlight relevant experience and address the mandatory and preferred qualifications from the qualifications section of this vacancy announcement.

Applications should be submitted by email to: Pardon.AttorneyVacancies@usdoj.gov. Please include “Attorney Adviser (FOIA)” in the subject line.

Applicants should familiarize themselves and comply with the relevant rules of professional conduct regarding any possible conflicts of interest in connection with their applications. In particular, please notify this Office if you currently represent clients or adjudicate matters in which this Office is involved and/or you have a family member who is representing clients or adjudicating matters in which this Office is involved so that we can evaluate any potential conflict of interest or disqualification issue that may need to be addressed under those circumstances.

The salary range for this position is GS-13/14/15.