Attorney Advisor

Attorney Position in the Office of Intelligence

The National Security Division (NSD) provides legal and policy advice on national security matters, litigates counterterrorism, counterespionage, and foreign intelligence surveillance matters, represents the Government before the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Court and other federal trial and appellate courts, and conducts oversight over the activities of various United States Intelligence Community (USIC) agencies. NSD's overarching mission is to prevent and combat terrorism and protect the national security, which continues to be the Department's top priority.

The Office of Intelligence (OI) of the NSD is seeking experienced attorneys for its Oversight Section. At the direction of the Office of Assistant Attorney General (OAAG) for National Security, attorneys in the Oversight Section oversee foreign intelligence, counterintelligence, and other national security activities of the USIC, including activities pursuant to the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA), to ensure compliance with governing authorities and executive branch policies.

To accomplish this mandate, Oversight Section attorneys coordinate with representatives of USIC agencies to conduct reviews of the USIC's national security activities, including the collection, retention, and dissemination of foreign intelligence information. A significant part of the Oversight Section's work involves analyzing large volumes of information to assess the USIC's compliance with procedures governing the United States' foreign intelligence programs. Oversight Section attorneys must possess highly-developed interpersonal skills, as well as the ability to exercise sound judgment and keen focus for extended periods of time. Additionally, Oversight Section attorneys must possess strong analytic skills so that identified issues are fully investigated and resolved.

Oversight Section attorneys must be comfortable delivering training to large groups. Oversight Section attorneys are expected to travel, resulting in the attorney being out of town for up to several (non-consecutive) weeks per year, in order to conduct oversight reviews at USIC agencies and to conduct training during such reviews. Oversight Section attorneys are also engaged in developing policies relating to oversight and compliance matters. In addition to its oversight responsibilities, the Oversight Section also fulfills various reporting obligations, including statutorily required reporting to congressional oversight committees.

To fulfill those obligations, Oversight Section attorneys are responsible for tracking and synthesizing significant amounts of information and for drafting comprehensive reports for Congress. Oversight Section attorneys work closely with other components of the Department and with USIC agencies, often in collaboration with the Office of the Director of National Intelligence, to provide guidance on the interpretation and application of governing authorities. The Oversight Section also works closely with OI's Operations and Litigation Sections.