Trial Attorney Position Vacancy

TRIAL ATTORNEY POSITION 

Interested persons may apply here: careers.dc.gov

General Job Information

Job Summary 

This position is located in the Office of Open Government (OOG) Board of Ethics and Government Accountability (BEGA). The Office of Open Government is charged with enforcing the Open Meeting Act. OOG is empowered by statute to bring a lawsuit in DC Superior Court to enforce the open meetings act, and the Trial Attorney is responsible for litigating those cases on behalf of OOG.

Duties and Responsibilities

The Trail Attorney reviews complaints and information presented and relevant law to determine whether an enforcement action should be initiated. The reviews include interviewing agency officials, other potential witnesses, available documents, meeting recordings, and other sources of information. Responsible for preparing complaints, responses, motions, legal briefs/memoranda as appropriate. Handles a variety of open government matters which involve providing legal advice on the interpretation of the Open Meetings Act to public body members, D.C. government staff, and provides training on these topics, when necessary. Drafts advisory opinions on open government matters. Tracks litigation and legislation related to open government matters and advises the Director on these matters. Prepares and conducts litigation, including preparation of witnesses and exhibits; collection an organization of evidence; preparation and conduct of preliminary proceedings; identification, procurement and preparation of expert services; examination of witnesses; and/or oral arguments.

The incumbent negotiates resolution of cases and determines, with the approval of the Director, 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. Confers with, and incorporates the concerns of District Governments officials, members of administrative bodies, and officials outside of the District Government regarding actions taken during enforcement cases. Maintains substantial contacts with agencies, government official, media, and the public.

Qualifications and Education

The incumbent must be a graduate from a law school approved by the American Bar Association and hold a Juris Doctorate (JD); in addition to one (1) year of experience in the legal field.

Licensure and Certifications

Incumbent must be an active member in good standing of the District of Columbia Bar or eligible for wavier into the bar (if eligible for waiver, incumbent must successfully obtain admission to the D.C. Bar within one year of commencing employment).

Working Conditions/Environment

The work is performed in an office setting

Other Significant Facts

Tour of Duty: Varies

Type of Appointment:  Legal Service – Regular

Pay Plan, Series and Grade:  LA-905-12

Salary Range: $86,366.00 - $112,286.00; based on available funding (currently funded at $86,366.00)

Collective Bargaining Unit: This position is not covered by a Collective Bargaining Agreement

Promotion Potential: No known promotion potential

Area of Consideration: Open to the public

Residency Requirement: If the position you are applying for is in the Career, Management Supervisory, or Educational Service at an annual salary of one hundred fifty thousand dollars ($150,000) or more, you must establish residency in the District of Columbia within one hundred eighty (180) days of the effective date of the appointment and continue to maintain residency within the District of Columbia throughout the duration of the appointment.

EEO Statement: The District of Columbia Government is an Equal Opportunity Employer: all qualified candidates will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, marital status, personal appearance, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, family responsibilities, matriculation, political affiliation, genetic information, disability. Sexual harassment is a form of sex discrimination, which is also prohibited. In addition, harassment based on any of the above-protected categories is prohibited.