Consolidated Legal Center (CLC) Attorney

The Federal Correctional Complex (FCC) Yazoo City is part of the Southeast Consolidated Legal Center Yazoo City, Mississippi, which provides litigation support to the United States Attorneys’ Offices for inmate litigation arising out of FCC Yazoo City. The legal practice of FCC Yazoo City covers a wide variety of issues focusing on correctional and constitutional law, which is a practice that relies heavily on constitutional law, tort law, and other administrative law. This practice is primarily civil in nature. This practice also involves providing legal guidance and support to Federal Bureau of Prison employees through internal and administrative processes (e.g. administrative claims). The legal issues covered include, but are not limited to inmates' access to to courts, conditions of confinement (e.g., medical care, religious accommodations, etc.), post-sentencing processes (e.g., sentence computations and inmate discipline), and post-sentence administration (e.g., First Step Act eligibility determinations).

The selected is expected to provide advice and guidance to all levels of staff at FCC Yazoo City including members of the Executive Staff. The selected will also be expected to communicate with defense attorneys, prosecutors, federal courts, and agency officials. The selected 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. The selected is expected to perform extensive legal research and writing independently with minimal oversight and is also expected to learn and adapt to BOP protocols in order to achieve optimal levels of advocacy and persuasion.

This is a primary law enforcement position. Although 5 U.S.C. 3307 established a maximum entry age of 36 for initial appointment to a position in a Bureau of Prisons institution, applicants for this announcement can be considered up to age 39. 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 correctional facility. A 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 selected 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 selected may be required to shakedown inmates and conduct visual searches in their work or living area for contraband. The selected 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.

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

Preferred qualification: Prior experience in correctional law is preferred, but not required.

Applicants must submit a cover letter (highlighting relevant experience), resume (not to exceed two pages), writing sample, and list of references by March 6, 2026 to Latease Bailey-Close, Regional Counsel, at lbaileyclose@bop.gov.

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