Administrative Law Judge

Summary Want to make a difference in drug law enforcement? Consider a career with the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and you will make a difference for your community and your country. DEA's mission is to enforce the controlled substances laws and regulations of the United States. DEA is the lead agency responsible for the development of overall Federal drug enforcement strategy, programs, planning, and evaluation. Learn more about this agency Duties Help About the position: This position is located in the Office of Administrative Law Judges, in Arlington, Virginia. The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Administrative Law Judges, under the administrative supervision of the Chief Administrative Law Judge, conduct adjudicatory hearings throughout the United States in formal, contested, often complex administrative proceedings which arise under the Controlled Substances Act. In conformity with the Administrative Procedures Act, 5 U.S.C. 551, et. seq. as well as the Controlled Substances Act and its attendant regulations, DEA Administrative Law Judges (ALJs) make pre-hearing rulings, preside over formal hearings, decide post hearing matters, issue written recommended decisions, and certify hearing records to the DEA Administrator, who issues the agency's final orders. The litigation is frequently complex, highly contested, and often subject to demanding time constraints. Litigation issues include registration and controlled substance scheduling issues and involve the interpretation and application of federal and state law. These responsibilities may require some travel. The Administrative Law Judge responsibilities include, but are not limited to: Conducting administrative enforcement and rulemaking hearings in accordance with the Controlled Substances Act (CSA); Title II of the Comprehensive Drug Abuse Prevention and Control Act of 1970, as amended; and the Administrative Procedure Act (APA). 5 U.S.C. 551, et seq. Serving as a presiding officer with respect to each case assigned to him/her by the Chief Judge, presides over the pre-hearing procedures, motion practice, and hearings. Drafting and signing all orders and recommended decisions resulting from each assigned case in addition to timely and accurate completion of reports regarding case workload as required by Law Judge management. Adjudications with respect to application and revocation actions related to acquiring or continuing controlled substance registrations. Promoting and maintaining efficient operation of his/her assigned Adjudication Unit (AU) to include regular updates of relevant databases and office calendars and to fully cooperate in any and all assessments regarding workload and/or office performance. Requirements Help Conditions of employment Must be a U.S. Citizen Must be able to obtain and maintain a Background and/or Security Clearance Males born after 12-31-59 must be registered for Selective Service Drug testing designated position Must possess and maintain the highest level of character and conduct Qualifications Mandatory Qualifications: Applicant must currently hold a juris doctorate from an accredited law school with licensure and authorization to practice law under the laws of a State, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, or any territorial court established under the U.S. Constitution. An "active" bar status and/or membership in "good standing" for at least seven years total in at least one jurisdiction in which the applicant is admitted. Judicial status is acceptable in lieu of "active" status in States that prohibit sitting judges from maintaining "active" status to practice law. Being in "good standing" is acceptable in lieu of "active" status in in States where the licensing authority considers "good standing" as having a current license to practice law. Five years of relevant litigation or administrative law experience; experience demonstrating judicial temperament; experience demonstrating complex legal writing ability; the ability to travel. "Relevant litigation experience" includes: appearing as an attorney in and/or conducting formal hearings, trials, or appeals at the federal (including military), state, or local level or as part of congressional or state legislative hearings or investigations; and/or hearing cases as a judge or adjudicator. Litigation preparation and settlement, standing alone, does not constitute "relevant litigation experience," but the definition does include cases which were actively litigated by trial, hearing(s), or motion practice but were resolved through settlement. The definitional touchstone is active lawyering and advocacy in a contested trial, hearing(s), or motion practice environment. "Relevant administrative law experience" as used in the above context is active litigation experience in contested cases initiated before a governmental administrative body, and includes cases which have resolved through settlement. The preparation and filing of routine forms or paperwork to be adjudicated by an administrative body or government official, standing alone, does not constitute "relevant administrative law experience." The definitional touchstone is active lawyering and advocacy in a contested environment, and includes motion practice. Desirable Qualifications (DQs): The narrative for each DQ is limited to ONE PAGE and should be formatted so that each desirable qualification is individually addressed. Experience in adversarial litigation (especially multi-day proceedings) and timely adjudication of a high volume of cases. Excellence in legal writing involving complex legal issues and interpretation of statutory or regulatory language. Ability to understand, analyze, decide, and orally communicate difficult and complex technical, legal, and factual issues, and produce a comprehensive written, legally and technically defensible agency decision while exhibiting judicial temperament. Capacity to manage contested courtroom proceedings effectively and apply appropriate judicial temperament in dealing with parties and counsel. Experience in leading and supervising staff in an effective manner. Ability to operate and manage technology such as (but not limited to) word processing software, case management software, and video teleconferencing equipment. Ability to engage in and completing administrative tasks ancillary to adjudication, such as the timely filing of status reports, time records, etc. All qualification requirements must be met by the closing date of this announcement. Education Juris doctorate from an ABA accredited law school. Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education ( Additional information Direct Deposit: All Federal employees are required to have Federal salary payments made by direct deposit to a financial institution of their choosing. Selective Service: MALE APPLICANTS BORN AFTER 12/31/1959 must certify prior to job offer that they have registered with the Selective Service System, or are exempt from having to do so under Selective Service law. In accordance with 5 CFR 2635.704, applications will not be accepted in postage-paid Government envelopes. The Drug Enforcement Administration participates in the USCIS Electronic Employment Eligibility Verification Program (E-VERIFY - E-Verify helps employers determine employment eligibility of new hires and the validity of their Social Security numbers. Drug testing is required for this position. All non-DEA applicants must complete a drug use questionnaire. Applicants who are found, through investigation or personal admission, to have experimented with or used narcotics or dangerous drugs, except those medically prescribed, will not be considered for employment with the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). Exceptions to this policy may be made for applicants who admit to limited youthful and experimental use of marijuana. Such applicants may be considered for employment if there is no evidence of regular, confirmed usage, and the full-field background investigation and results of other steps in the process are otherwise favorable. Compliance with this policy is an essential requirement of the position. It is highly suggested that you complete the Drug Questionnaire form when submitting your application package. However, if you do not complete and submit this form with your application package, it will not disqualify you from the application process. You will be asked to complete the Drug Questionnaire form before extended a conditional offer. Click the following link to access the Drug Questionnaire. To submit your completed Drug Questionnaire please follow the instructions for uploading documents in the "How to Apply" section of this announcement. Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution. Help A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits. Review our benefits Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.