Attorney (Forensic Science)

Summary

Forensic Science Law attorneys work on a day-to-day basis with renowned FBI Laboratory experts in a wide variety of forensic disciplines: DNA explosives trace evidence code breaking firearms and more. Embedded within one of the largest and most comprehensive crime laboratories in the world FSLU attorneys are experts in legal issues related to forensic science.

Duties

Duties for this position will include but are not limited to:

• Providing legal advice to FBI CRM and field agents regarding IGG-related investigative activities.
• Advising on FBI CRM FBI LD prosecutors and external partners on policy and strategy related to IGG including investigative techniques discovery and trial strategy issues related to admissibility.
• Collaborating with DOJ and FBI CRM to develop and implement a strategy for the use of legal process.
• Reviewing drafting and advocating for IGG-related legislation; Working with the FBI LD and DOJ to assess the feasibility of alternative databasing options.
• Implementing a national strategy related to the admissibility of advanced DNA evidence collaborating closely with state and federal prosecutors admitting such evidence.
• Representing the FBI during interactions with other agencies and the U.S. Department of Justice on legal issues surrounding forensic science and working cooperatively with other agencies to establish inter-agency agreements.
• Travel will be required.

Other legal duties as assigned.

Requirements

Conditions of employment

• Must be a U. S. citizen.
• Must be able to obtain a Top-Secret/SCI clearance.
• Selectee may be required to complete form FD-887 Request for Access to Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI).
• Selectee will be required to complete a Confidential Financial Disclosure Report OGE-450 annually.

The Department of Justice will approve candidates that are selected for this position.

Qualifications

GS-14: Applicants applying for the GS-14 must have 2.5 or more years post J.D. attorney experience.
GS-15: Applicants applying for the GS-15 must have 4 or more years of post J.D. attorney experience.

Preferred Qualifications :

• At least 5 years of experience as a federal or state prosecutor handling complex criminal cases.
• A passion for learning about novel and complex scientific and/or technical concepts.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate and build strong relationships with a wide variety of people especially scientific and/or technical subject matter experts.
• Experience litigating complex discovery challenges and familiarity with DOJs Touhy process helpful but required.
• Experience litigating challenges to the admissibility of forensic evidence helpful but not required.
• Experience using DNA evidence in criminal investigations and court proceedings helpful but not required.
• Experience providing legal training to prosecutors law enforcement or others.
• Ability to perform superior legal and factual analyses on complex issues.
• Excellent legal research legal writing interpersonal and organizational skills.
• Demonstrated ability to adapt to rapidly changing circumstances and environments.

Education

BASIC REQUIREMENT :

• Possess a law degree from an accredited American Bar Association law school; and
• Proof of active membership and good standing with any U. S. jurisdiction bar association

Positive Education Requirement: This position has a specific education requirement; all applicants must verify completion of this basic requirement by submitting proof of J.D. degree and proof of good standing with a U. S. jurisdiction bar association. Please see the Required Documents: section of this announcement for additional information.

Education: Applicant must possess a J.D. degree from a law school accredited by the American Bar Association (or have a LLM degree or other graduate law school degree in additional to J.D.) and be an active member of a U.S. jurisdiction bar association.

Additional information

About the Office

The FBIs Office of the General Counsel (OGC) Forensic Science Law Unit (FSLU) is seeking a highly qualified attorney with an interest in DNA and significant prosecutorial experience to represent the FBIs cutting-edge Investigative Genetic Genealogy (IGG) program. First used in 2018 to solve the Golden State Killer case the IGG technique has grown to a nationwide investigative program of 200 personnel that has solved more than 300 homicide and sexual assault cases to date. The program involves close collaboration with FBI CRM and the FBI Laboratory. This exciting and extremely rewarding portfolio involves a range of responsibilities from advising on active criminal investigations to providing critical advice to prosecutors across the country related to discovery and trial strategy working with DOJ to develop legal strategy regarding legal process associated with the technique and paving the way for courtroom admission of next generation of DNA evidence.

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.

Required Experience:

IC