Attorney Advisor

The legal practice at the Consolidated Legal Center (CLC) Butner, North Carolina, covers a wide variety of issues focusing on correctional law and litigation, either through administrative or litigation channels and includes but is not limited to the defense of the agency's position in such matters as inmates' reasonable access to the courts (through access to legal materials, legal correspondence, and attorney-client visits), conditions of confinement, medical care, diet and religious accommodations, housing assignments, discipline, civil commitment, and other mental health matters. The incumbent will work closely with the United States Attorneys' Office handling litigation issues.

The position includes being involved in a legal office which oversees the legal operations associated with the Federal Correctional Complex, Butner, North Carolina (comprised of a Federal Medical Center, two medium security Federal Correctional Institutions, one Low Security Correctional Institution, and a Federal Prison Camp) and the Federal Correctional Complex in Petersburg, Virginia (comprised of the Federal Correctional Institution - Medium, the Low Security Correctional Institution, and the Federal Prison Camp).

The incumbent will be expected to provide advice and guidance to all levels of staff at these correctional facilities, including members of the Executive Staff. The incumbent will also be expected to communicate with defense attorneys, prosecutors, federal courts, and agency officials. The incumbent must have thorough knowledge of all aspects of BOP policy and practice as he/she may be required to appear in District Court on short notice to explain and advocate the agency's rationale for its correctional management decisions.

This is a primary law enforcement position. In accordance with 5 U.S.C. § 3307, the maximum entry age of 36 has been established for initial appointment to a position in a Bureau of Prisons correctional institution. If you are above the maximum entry age and have prior federal law enforcement coverage, you must submit an SF-50 to verify prior coverage. Qualified Preference Eligible Veterans may be exempt from meeting the maximum age. The duties of this position may at times require frequent and direct contact with individuals in confinement who are suspected or convicted of serious criminal offenses. It has also been determined that the duties of this position require experience and knowledge of the on-the-job responsibilities of a primary law enforcement officer working in a detention facility. A prerequisite requirement of this position is the successful completion of 'Introduction to Correctional Techniques, Phase I' locally and, the satisfactory completion of a mandatory course in 'Introduction to Correctional Techniques, Phase II' at the Staff Training Academy.

Because of the nature and mission of this position, it requires "hands-on" understanding of the issues encompassed in working within an institution. The incumbent may be called on to perform as a law enforcement officer in a correctional environment during training, emergency situations, times of staff shortages, and under any other type of correctional operating crisis. Specific correctional responsibilities may include custody and supervision of inmates, responding to emergencies and institution disturbances, participating in fog and escape patrols, and assuming correctional officer posts when necessary. The incumbent may be required to shakedown inmates and conduct visual searches in their work or living area for contraband. The incumbent must be prepared to use physical control in situations where necessary, such as in fights among inmates, assaults on staff, and riots or escape attempts.

Applicant must possess a J.D. degree, be an active member of the bar (any U.S. jurisdiction), and have at least 1 year of post-J.D. legal or other relevant experience.

Preferred qualifications: Prior and extensive experience in correctional law and/or federal civil litigation is preferred, but not required.

Applicants must submit a resume (not to exceed two pages), list of references, a cover letter (highlighting relevant experience) and a writing sample by September 26, 2025, to Holly Pratesi, Acting Regional Counsel at hpratesi@bop.gov.

Current salary and years of experience will determine the appropriate salary level. The possible salary range, including locality pay adjustments, is is GS-12, GS-13, or GS-14.